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http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924026093827
THE AUSTEALIAI EACE:
ITS ORIGIN, LANGUAGES,
CUSTOMS,
PLACE OF LANDING IN AUSTRALIA,
AND
THE ROUTES BY WHICH IT SPREAD ITSELF OVER
THAT CONTINENT.
BY
ED^VARD M. CTJRR,
Author of "Pure Saddle Horses," and "Recollections of Squatting in Victoria."
IN FOUR VOLUMES.
VOLUME II.
MELBOUENE : JOHN FERRES, GOVERNMENT PEINTEK.
LONDON: TRUBNER AND CO., LUDGATE HILL.
1 8 S 6 .
n>
CONTENTS OF VOLUME II.
■ PAGE
List of Illustrations --...---. vi
BOOK .THE SIXTH.
No.
Prefatory Remarks - - - - ' 3
40. Streaky Bay (D. K. Richardson \ g
I. O. Provis J
41. Port Lincoln fA. A. O. Le Souef] _ g
I R. W. Holdm I
42. Peake Telegraph Station - - • O. Todd - - - 10
43. North-weat of Lake Eyre - - - F.E.Jacobs- - - 12
44. North Shore of Lake Byre - - F.E.Jacobs- - 14
45. West of Lake Eyre - - - JJoM Warren ) . ^
I John Hogarth >
46. Warburtoji River - - - . - W. J. Paull - - - 18
47. Warburton River - - - W. H. Cornish - 22
48. Cooper's Creek, to the eastward of\
its Northern Branch ; also Koongi I ^- 5' 5'°™**" } - 24
T , \ H. G. Salmon )
Lake - - - - - -J
49. Cooper's Creek in the neighbourhood
where Burke and Wills died - Alfred Howitt . ■ 30 .
50. Cooper's Creek near the Booloo River {''„,. i - 32
( Ernest Eghnton )
51. Nockatoonga, Wilson River . - - T. W. Foott - - - 34
52. Thargomiuda, BuUoo River - - F. W. Myles - - - 36
53. Lower BuUoo River - - - - A. F. Sullivan ■ - 42
54. A Tribe to the east of Strzelecki's
Creek- - - - - - - - - - - **
55. Prom Mount Preeling to Pirigundi
Lake Samuel Oason - - 44
56. Kopperamana - . - - - - F. E. Jacobs - - - 108
57. Strangway Springs - - - - John Warren - - 110
58. Umbertana - - - - - N. E. Phillipson - - 112
59. Mount Serle - - - - - Charles Wills - - 116
60.Belta|.a - - . - - -IJlf^^^^M ' "«
61. Wonoka W- M. Green - - 124
62. Eastern Shore of Lake Torrens- - W.M.Green - 126
63. Gawler Range - - - - A. D. Sawers - - ,130
64. Maraohowie - - - - - H. L. Beddom£ - - 132
65. Mount Remarkable - - - - J. C. Valentine - - 136
66. Port Pirie, 40 miles east of • • S. he Brun - • - - 140
IV
CONTENTS.
No.
67. Yorke's Peninsula, South Australia
69,
. ( Wilhel
^^' \w. Fo
BOOK THE SIXTR— continued.
Wilhel/m Kuhn )
Fowler ' >
Teichelmann and
68. Adelaide and its neighbourhood - -j Schurmmn
W. Wyatt
I TT 1 r v I ^- Gromer I
'. \ A, Dewhurst >
69a. Near • the North-west Corner of "
New South Wales - " - - A. W. Morton
PAGE
143
148
152
158
BOOK THE SEVENTH.
Prefatory Remarks -------
70. Country North-west of the Barrier
Range - Anonymous -
71. Country about 60 miles North-west
from a point on the Darling
midway between Menindie and
Wiloannia - - - - ' - W. Haines .
72. Boolcoomatta - - - - - W, J. Lake Dix
73. Torrowotto J. A. Reid -
74. Lower portions of the Paroo and
Warrego Rivers - - - ■ G. Scrivener ■
75. Bourke, Darling River - - - Q. N. Teuton
76. Fifty miles below Bourke on the ( Sir S. Wilson ]
Darling River - - - -l W. Henderson I
77. Wilcannia M. Sogers
78. Tintinaligi - - - - The Author -
79. Weinteriga - - - -A. McLennan
80. Menindie, Darling River - - - — Mair
81. Tolarno Station -' - - - O. W.Shaw -
82. Junction of the Darling and Murray
Rivers JohnBulmer-
83. From the Banks of the Murray River,
where it enters Lake Alexandrina
to the embouchure of that river
and Laoepede Bay - - - Qeorge Taplin
84. Prom Wellington, on the Murray
River, to the North-west Bend - M. Moorehowse
85. North-west Bend of the Murray
Ri'^^er .F. W.Fulford
86. Ned's Corner - - - - - A. H. Pegler
87. From the Mallee Cliffs to Weutworth — McFarlane
88. Prom the Junction of the Lachlan
and Murray to the Junction of
the Darling and Murray - - J. A. Macdonald
165
173
174
176
178
182
186
224
226
230
232
234
236
238
242
274
278
280
282
285
faqe
326
CONTENTS.
BOOK THE EIGHTH.
So.
Prefatory Remarks ---■-..... 293
89. Eastward of the Nicholson River and
between that river and the coast Edward Curr - - 296
90. Burketown - - - - ■ T. Ooward - - - 298
91. The Mouth of the Leichardt River - W. E. Armit - - 300
92. Mouth of the Norman River - - W. E. Armit - - 306
93. Middle Norman . - - - W. E. Armit - - 310
94. On the West Bank of the Leichardt
River, near the sea - - - Edward Curr - - 314
95. Leichardt River, twenty miles below
Kamilaroi Station - - - Edward Curr ■ - 316
. 96. Kamilaroi Station, Leichardt River - Montagu Curr - - 318
97. Betweeft the Gregory and Leichardt
Rivers . - - - • M. S. Lamoiid - - 322
98. Seymour, Templeton, and Clonourry jF. Urquhart \
Rivers iJ. O'BeiUey I
99. The Cloncurry River - - . . [^- P<^i"^er a,id ) _ 33^
I Anonymous >
100. The Flinders and Cloncurry Rivers - A. MacGUliway - - 340
101. The Burke River - - - - E. Eglinton - - 346
( The Hamilton River - - - W. Blair . - - 350
,n2 J The Lower Georgiua River - - R. N. Collins - - 354
j Between the Georgina and Burke (/. Craigie - - - 356
( Rivers - - - - -\a. McLean - - • - 358
103. Head of the Hamilton River - - E. Eglinton - - - 360
104. On the Hamilton River near Boulia E. Eglinton - - - 364
105. Junction of King's Creek and the f J. 0. Machattie \
Georgina River - - - - I J. S. Little 1
106. Lower Diamantina - - - - Anonymous - - - 371
107. Junction of Thomson and Barcoo j "^^ ^^S^ey \
Rivers, also the Whitula Creek - i ■"■ ^'"'^^f- \ " ^"*
I Edward Curr >
BOOK THE NINTH.
Prefatory Remarks - - . - ----- 389
108. Princess Charlotte's Bay, North
Queensland W. 0. Hodghinson - 389
109. Endeavour River - - - -l'^^"!. } - '392
I P. P. Ktng !
110. Weary Bay ----- 2', Hughes - - - 393
111. Akoonkoon, Pahner River - - E. Palmer - - - 396
112. The Lynd River - - - - W. 0. K. Hill - - 400
113. Granite Range, close to the Head of
the Mitchell River and east of
the Hodgkinson Goldfields - ■ H. M. Mowhray - - 402
366
VI CONTENTS.
BOOK THE HINTH.— continued.
So. . PAGE
114. Near the Head of the Walsh River- J._ Atherton - - - 408
115. Country about Thornborough
Diggings, and near the Head of
the Mitchell .- - - - W. 0. HodgUnson - 412
116. Granite Range at the Head of the
Walsh River - - - - E. R. Davidson - - 414
117. Head of the Gilbert - - - M. Curr - - - 416
118. Hinchinbrook Island and the Maia- j M. Armstrong I _ ^jg
land adjacent - . - -iJ. Murray '
119. Herbert River . - - - W.S.Stephen - -422
120. Halifax Bay iJ. Cassady ) . ^24
I S. Johnstone i
121. Head-waters of the Burdekin River TV. 0. HodgUnson - 432
122. Clarke River . - - - - p" -^"*'" [ - 436
I— Beta Tour )
123. Top of the Range near Dalrymple - W. E. Armit - - 440
124. Cleveland Bay - - - 5 A. R. Johnstone } . ^^
IM. Gurr )
125. Mount Elliott - - - - - E. Gregory - - - 448
126. Mouths of the Burdekin River - /. O'Connor - - 454
127. Porter's Range - - - - M. Gurr - - ■ 456
128. Charters Towers - - - \GUef Grnnmissiwier \ _ ^^g
I of Pohce, Brisbane i
129. Upper Blinders, Hughenden, Button JJl/^, CttT-r 1 .„.
River, &o. \ E. Gurr )
130. The Watershed and Upper Portion
of the Cape River - - M. Armstrong - - 464
131. Natal Downs Station, Cape River - I •'*'■ -^^ ^°™^T i '. 468
I W. Chatfield >
132. Ravenswood, Upper Burdekin - W. H. Kent - - 484
133. Mount Black Government of Queensland 486
134. Lower Burdekin - - . - P" Ounningham ] _
I F. J. Gorton f
135. Burdekin River, various tribes - J. Hall Scott - - 492
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS, VOLUME II.
PAGE
Kopi, or Mourning Cap of Gypsum - - . . . 238
A Tree on the Diamantina River, Queensland. Record of a Fight
which took' place in the locality - - - . . . 433
BOOK THE SIXTH
VOL. II.
^k^ ^ttsttaliatt ^aa.
BOOK THE SIXTH.
PREFATORY REMARKS.
The tribes whose manners and languages form the subject
of this book belong to the Central Division, like those
treated of in the two preceding books. In many of these
tribes the principal article of food was a sort of flour,
obtained by grinding grass-seeds, which was made into
unleavened bread or mixed with water and eaten uncooked.
With these tribes we come to the termination (in this
neighbourhood) of the practices of circumcision and the
terrible rite, a fact which is referred to at length in the
prefatory remarks to Book VII.
In the languages of this book it is interesting to find
paroo and booloo, the two equivalents for fish, also the
names of rivers. The explanation probably is that tribes
which used these words (the Peake Telegraph vocabulary,
for instance, contains both), having become the discoverers
of these rivers, which abound in fish, named them respec-
tively Paroo and Bulloo from this circumstance.
In some of these languages barkoola means 2 and in
others 3.
No. 40.— STREAKY BAY.
By D. K. Richardson, Esq., and C. Pkovis, Esq.
Feom the Streaky Bay district I have received two
vocabularies, both of which I have thought it desirable to
insert; for though for the most part they agree, they
A2
4
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
have also many points of difference. Indeed the two
equivalents of Blackfellow lead to the inference that they
represent the dialects of two distinct (though neighbouring)
tribes. The first of the two vocabularies, forwarded by
Mr. D. K. Richardson, gives in addition the following
names of persons: — Men: Moongulta, Koongulta, Moonaga.
Women: Koomilya, Tchoonbilla, Noobillia. For the second
vocabulary I am indebted to Mr. Charles Provis, who gives
the following names of persons, one of which is given by
Mr. Eichardson: — Men: Yaljulta, Thangil. Women:
Koomilya and Koobillya.
No. 40.— STREAKY BAY.
Kangaroo -
Opossum
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu - - -
Black duck -
Wood duck
PeUoan
Laughing jackass
Native companion
White cockatoo -
Crow - - -
Swan -
Egg - - -
Track of a foot -
Fish -
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
Fly - - -
Snake - - -
The Blacks -
A Blackfellow -
A Black woman -
Nose - - -
warroo.
pilta.
yelka.
kurlea.
weely.
By D. K. Richardson, Esq.
Hand -.
2 Blacks -
3 Blacks -
One -
Two -
Three -
Four (many)
Father
yongona.
wungara.
koorti
namboo.
tchinna.
koonaboonjeloo.
yoombera.
djoono.
niunga.
uiunga.
weeinna.
moola.
Mother
Sister-Elder
,, Younger -
Brother-Elder -
,, Younger
A young man
An old man
An old woman -
A baby
A White man
Children
Head - - -
Eye -
Ear -
murra,
kootera niunga.
karboo niunga.
kooma
kootera.
karboo.
yalkata.
mumma.
weea.
konky.
wannoo.
chilby.
kooroo.
walboo.
kooba. •
yarpo kardo.
kurka.
meil.
yooree.
STREAKY BAY.
No. 40. — Streaky Bay — continued.
Mouth
- neemy.
Teeth -
- yira.
Hair of the heao
- ngooro.
Beard -
- ngangwin.
Thunder ■•
- toondooga.
Grass -
- kurroo.
Tongue
- kyaling.
Stomach -
- choorda.
Breasts
- moondundoo.
Thigh
- kanty.
Foot -
- tcheena.
Bone -
- moolallie.
Blood -
- yaildo.
Skin -
- imba.
Fat -
- mainby.
Bowels
-
Excrement -
- galling.
War-spear -
- keea.
B«ed-spear -
-
Wommera -
- meela.
Shield
-
Tomahawk -
-
Canoe -
-
Sun -
- cheeando.
Moon -
- peea.
Star -
- kulka.
Light -
-
Dark -
- moabu.
Cold -
- miniaroo.
Heat -
- ngunera.
Day -
- perria.
Night -
- maltie.
Fire -
- kulla.
Water
- kaaby.
Smoke
- pooyoo.
Ground
- poordo.
Wind -
- eeneroo.
Rain -
- waiuburoo.
God -
-
Ghosts
- pokobidney.
Boomerang -
-
Hill - -
-
Wood -
- kulla.
Stone -
- poonda.
Camp -
- ngoora.
Yes - -
- yooa.
No - -
- mukka.
I
- ngunna.
You -
- tchanna.
Bark -
- piltera.
Good -
- yardoo.
Bad - -
- nunta.
Sweet -
- morogo.
Food - -
- ma.
Hungry
- meamukka.
Thirsty
- mungarra.
Eat -
- ngaal.
Sleep -
- yango.
Drink -
- mungarra.
Walk -
- wayn.
See - -
- ngakoon.
Sit -
- ngeedin.
Yesterday -
- wilyoodo.
To-day
- pynyiayee.
To-morrow -
- maalduloo.
Where are the
Blacks?
I don't know
- tchalla mindy
Plenty
- moona.
Big - -
- willaroo.
Little -
- minyardo.
Dead -
- pilunabeena
By-and-by -
- wuneroo.
Come on
- panni winni.
Milk -
-
Eaglehawk
-
Wild turkey
-
Wife -
-
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 40.— STREAKY BAY.
Bt C. Provis, Esq.
Kangaroo -
- waroo.
Opossum -
- pirlta.
Tame dog
- yelga.
Wild dog -
-
Emu
- warritcha.
Black duck -
- murrara.
Wood duck-
-
Pelican
- weele.
Laughing jackass
Native companion
White cockatoo
- yungana.
Crow -
- wamkara
Swan "
- kowerte.
Egg - -
- peepee.
Track of a foot
- tchinna.
Fish -
- kooya.
Lobster
-
Crayfish
-
Mosquito -
- koonaboonjeloo
Fly - -•
- yoonberra.
Snake -
- wobma.
The Blacks -
- kurda.
A Blackfellow
- kurda.
A Black woman
- kore.
Nose •■
- mootla.
Hand -
- murra.
2 Blacks -
- koothera kurda
3 Blacks -
- kaboo kurda.
One -
- kooma.
Two -
- koothera.
Three -
- kaboo.
Pour -
- wima.
Father
- mamma.
Mother
- weeya.
Sister-Elder
- konbee.
„ Younger
-
Brother-Elder
- yoonga.
,, Younger
A young man
- wilyara.
An old man
- poorlka.
An old woman
- weeya.
A baby
- kaitoha.
A White man
- koopa.
Children -
- keetchaba.
Head -
- koka.
Eye -
- meena.
Ear -
- yoore.
STREAKY BAY.
No. 40. — Streaky Bay — continued.
Mouth
- meeme.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth
- yeera.
Hill - -
-
Hair of the head
- ngoora.
Wood -
- kurla.
Beard -
- ngomka.
Stone -
- pamta.
Thunder -
- kooroona.
Camp -
- ngoora.
Grass -
- korra.
Yes -
- ya.
Tongue
- kyaking.
No -
- mukka.
Stomach
- warna.
I
- ngie.
Breasts
- ebee.
You -
- noone.
-Thigh
- wiitha.
Bark -
- yoolthe.
Foot -
- tcheena.
Good -
- yatto.
Bone -
- moolale.
Bad -
- ngontha.
Blood -
- yaildo.
Sweet -
- morrogo.
Skin -
- eemba.
Food -
- ma.
Tat -
- mainbe.
Hungry
- karnpa.
Bowels
- warna.
Thirsty
- mungarra.
Excrement -
- kurta.
Bat -
- mungee.
War-spear -
- keeya.
Sleep -
- ngarbiroya.
Reed-spear -
Throwing-stick
Shield -
Tomahawk -
Canoe -
Sun -
Moon -
Star -
Light -
- konde.
- tchinta.
- peera.
- kulka
Drink- - - algoona.
Walk - - - ngomema.
See - - - meena.
Sit - - - neena.
Yesterday - - wiltchera.
To-day - - pynea.
To-morrow - - molthaloo.
Where are the intha kurda ?
Dark -
- moaba.
Blacks ?
Cold -
- pyala.
I don't know
- yaminthe.
Heat -
- pookara.
Plenty
- murna.
Day -
- pu-rea.
Big -
- murna.
Night -
- molthe.
Little -
- meenya.
Fire -
- kurla.
Dead -
- kukabuk.
Water
Smoke
Ground
Wind-
Rain -
God -
- koppe.
- pooya.
- mietlea.
- warre.
- wainbaroo.
By-and-by -
Come on
Milk -
Eaglehawk -
WUd turkey
- karree.
- pemee.
Ghosts
- poorkabidue.
Wife -
-
8
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE :
No. 41.— PORT LINCOLN.
By a. A. 0. Le SouBF, Esq., aud the Revd. R. W. Holden.
Vocabularies of the Parnkalla language, whicli is spoken
at Port Lincoln and along the western shores of Spencer's
Gulf, have been sent to me by A. A. 0. Le Souef, Esq., and
the Revd. R. W. Holden. Of this language a dictionary of
about 2,200 words, prefaced by a grammar, was published
in Adelaide, 1844, by the Revd. C. W. Shurmann. From
these sources I have filled up the following vocabulary. It
is to be noticed that in the Revd. Mr. Shurmann's work
there is but one word which begins with the letter a, and
the sound of ck is entirely wanting, but that my two
contributors both give kitcha as the equivalent of hahy.
Circumcision prevails in this tribe.
No. 41.— PORT LINCOLN.
By a. a. C
. Lb Soubf, Esq., and the Revd. R.
W. HOLDBN.
Kangaroo -
bulka, warru.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum
piUa.
2 Blacks -
■ kallpille toora.
Tame dog -
wilga.
3 Blacks -
- koolperrie toora
WUddog -
kurdniimi.
One - -
- kubmanna.
Emu -
Black duck
warraitya.
murrarra.
Two -
- kallpille.
Wood duck
Three -
- koolperrie.
Pelican
widli.
Four -
- ngerla.
Laughing jackass
kookark.
Father
- pappi.
Native companion
Mother ' -
- ngan:uni.
White cockatoo -
Sister-Elder
- yakka.
Crow -
Swan -
wornkarra.
kooti.
„ Younger
-
Egg -
peepee, bebi.
Brother-Elder
- yunga.
Track of a foot -
yedna, weedla.
„ Younger ngaityaba.
Fish -
kuya.
A young man
- mooltappa.
Lobster
An old man
- meetta, pulka.
Crayfish
An old woman
- moodalli.
Mosquito -
kunnutyuUu,
A baby
- kitcha.
Fly -
yuwunu.
yumbarra.
A White man
- koopa.
Snake -
wamba.
Children -
- boolyoo, mur-
The Blacks
yoora, toora.
dalyi.
A Blackfellow -
Head
- kaka.
A Black woman -
pallara.
Eye -
- mena.
Nose -
moodla.
Ear -
- yoori.
PORT LINCOLN.
No. 41.— PoKT L
INCOLN — continued
Mouth
- ya, narpartra.
Boomerang '-
.
Teeth
- yerra, ira.
Hill -
- purri.
Hair of the head- kakaputti, kurni'
Wood-. -
- gadla.
Beard -
- ngarnka.
Stone -
- kanya.
Thunder
- kooranna.
Camp -
- koornkoo.
Grass -
- kurra, uthera.
Yes -
- ia, ya, a, nga,
Tongue
- yarli.
yooa.
Stomach
- pompe ngan-
No -
- mukka, madia.
kalla.
I
- ngai.
Breasts
- ngamma.
You -
- neena.
Thigh
- yatla.
Bark -
- yoolthi.
Foot -
- idna.
Good -
- munjarri, mar-
Bone
- winma, wurlpool.
niti.
Blood -
- kartintye.
Bad -
- milla.
Skin -
_
Sweet -
- ngaltya.
Fat -
- mame, ngappata.
Food -
- ma, mai.
Bowels
- kudna.
Hungry
- karnba, kurnpa.
Excrement -
- kudna.
Thirsty
- yurne.
War-spear -
- kia, kaya.
Eat -
- ngalgutu.
Reed-spear -
_
Sleep -
- meya, wanniti.
Wommera -
- midla, kundi.
Drink -
- yappaka.
Shield
-
Walk -
- ngukata, pad-
Tomahawk -
- kanti.
nata.
Canoe -
.
See -
- nakkuttu, nak-
Sun -
Moon -
Star -
- yumo.
- pirra.
- purdli.
Sit -
Yesterday -
To-day
koo.
- yikketha.
- willjenna.
- yatha.
Light -
Dark -
- multhi.
To-morrow -
Where are the
- wilcherpani.
J wanna toora ?
Cold -
- paialla, pila.
Blacks ?
Heat -
- kallalla.
I don't know
- ya-kood-la.
Day -
- wallina, marka.
Plenty
- nurla.
Night -
-
Big - -
- yoodlu, mur-
Fire - -
- gadla, kurdla.
nundo.
Water
- kapi, kauo.
Little -
- bulya, peelyoo.
Smoke
r puyu, pooya.
Dead -
- kunya, paruntu
Ground
- yurra.
By-and-by -
- kani.
Wind -
- wirra.
Come on
- purdni.
Rain -
- kattari, koorun-
Milk -
-
na-kowi.
Eaglehawk -
- yamu.
God - -
-
Wild turkey
- walla.
Ghosts
- nara, wilya.
Wife -
- yungara.
10
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 42.— PEAKE TELEGRAPH STATION.
Kangaroo -
Opossum
Tame dog - '
- koongoora.
- womboola.
- murdla.
Wild dog -
Emu -
- erlea.
Black duck-
- oodla-oodla.
Wood duck-
Pelican
- yarkalto.
- warrunto.
Laughing jackass
Native companion mulpa.
White cockatoo -
Crow -
- wokkoola.
Swan -
- kute.
Egg - -
Track of a foot
- papoo.
- wimba.
Fish -
Lobster
- paroo, booloo
Crayfish
Mosquito -
- ooiuya.
Fly .
Snake -
- oringore.
- wobma.
The Blacks -
- nulla.
A Blackf ellow
- nulla.
A Black woman
- miiTikera.
Nose -
- media.
By Charles Todd, Esq., C.M.G.
Hand - - - murra.
2 Blacks - - parakuUa nuUa.
3 Blacks - - kulpura nulla.
Cue - - - weyoo.
Two - - - parakuUa.
Three - - - kulpura.
Four - - - nooyoo.
Father - - meeya.
Mother - - alooka.
Sister-Elder - karkoo.
„ Younger -
Brother-Elder - noota.
,, Younger
A young man - yawonka.
An old man - waroo.
An old woman - wittoola.
A baby - - marchi.
A White man - koopia woonka.
Children - - koopakurdli.
Head - - kurty.
Eye - - - milchi.
Ear - - _ yeari.
PEAKE TELEGRAPH STATION.
11
No. 42. — Peake Telbgkaph Station — continued.
Mouth
- muma.
Teeth -
- yakkara.
Hair of the head
- wilpoora.
Beard -
- numka.
Thunder -
- mungaunda.
Grass -
- kunchara.
Tongue
- tardli.
Stomach
- yarrakoora.
Breasts
- nama.
Thigh -
- walpoo(?)
Foot -
- peedna.
Bone -
- walpoo(?)
Blood -
- koobmara.
Skin -
- maramakoo.
Fat -
- punga, marri.
Bowels
Excrement -
- koodna.
War-spear -
-
Reed-spear -
-
Wommera -
-
Shield- •-
-
Tomahawk -
-
Canoe -
-
Sun -
- yarro.
Moon -
- parralla.
Star -
- kartepela.
Light -
- poorinda.
Dark -
- wonga.
Cold -
- madlera.
Heat -
- alpa.
Day -
- wolta.
Night -
- woogna.
Fire -
- mukka.
Water
- koota.
Smoke
- ukurta.
Ground
•■ yoopella.
Wind -
- wohnurra.
Rain -
- chilta.
God -
-
Ghosts
-
Boomerang -
-
HUl -
-
Wood -
- nartanda.
Stone -
- kardna, opata.
Camp -
- nura.
Yes -
- arri.
No -
- myella.
I
- aupa.
You -
- autoo.
Bark -
- peeta.
Good -
-
Bad -
- tetalla.
Sweet -
-
Food -
- chalpa.
Hungry
- wodla.
Thirsty
- yunkurta.
Eat -
- tanera.
Sleep -
- koortana.
Drink -
- poontara.
Walk - -
- ukandanda.
See -
- yungunda.
Sit -
- tunkanna.
Yesterday -
- ukunta.
To-day
■ chalpa.
To-morrow -
- wongara.
Where are 1
;he weterla nulla
Blacks ?
paraka ?
I don't know
- anakoli.
Plenty
- nooka.
Big -
- paranda.
Little -
- pekammaroo.
Dead -
- pooranda.
By-and-by -
- uta.
Come on
- karwona wee.
Milk -
-
Eaglehawk
-
Wild turkey
-
Wife -
-
12
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 43.— NORTH-WEST OF LAKE EYRE.
By F. E. Jacobs, Esq.
The following vocabulary from the language of the trihe
which dwells to the north-west of Lake Eyre was kindly
forwarded to me by Mr. F. E. Jacobs, a German gentleman
resident at the Lutheran Mission Station at Kopperamana.
I have thought it necessary to call attention to the nation-
ality of my correspondent, as in many cases the spelling of
the words of his vocabulary, taken from an English point
of view, represents sounds which it would be impossible for
an Australian Black to utter. The sth, which occurs so
frequently, I take to represent the nasal sound which is
generally expressed by ng.
No.
43.— NORTH-WEST OF LAKE EYRE.
By F. E. Jacobs, Esq.
Kangaroo -
kungara.
Hand -
masra.
Opossum -
pilda.
2 Blacks -
tua parakulu.
Tame dog -
madia.
3 Blacks -
tua kulpari.
Wild dog -
One -
sthuja.
Emu -
wurrukotti.
Black duck -
dummi.
Two -
parakulu.
Wood duck
Three -
kulpari.
Pelican
■ tampanpara.
Pour -
parakulu-para-
Laughing jackass
kulu.
Native companion puralka.
Father
ainja.
White cockatoo
nardnanpn.
Mother
stharluka.
Crow -
■ wokkala.
Sister-Elder
kuppali.
Swan -
■ kurti.
„ Younger ■
Egg -
pappu.
Brother-Elder
sthutti.
Track of a foot
- tidna.
„ Younger
Fish -
- worri.
A young man
tarinka.
Lobster
kurukudirri.
Crayfish
An old man
muttupurdu.
Mosquito -
tudinma.
An old woman
wuljula.
Fly - -
- sthurrinhurri.
A baby
sthallua.
Snake -
titta.
A White man
The Blacks -
- tua.
ChUdren -
sthallua.
A Blackfellow
tuachuju.
Head -
kartapu.
A Black woman
- boku.
Eye -
mUkikardi.
Nose -
- milla.
Ear -
turri.
NORTH-WEST OF LAKE EYRE.
13
No.
43. — North-west oi
Lake Eyee — continued.
Mouth
■ moma.
Boomera.ng -
-
Teeth -
- tuckara.
Hill -
.
Hair of the head
- whirri.
Wood -
- sthalpa.
Beard -
- stharukats-
charda.
Stone -
- kadna.
Camp -
Yes -
- sthura.
Thunder -
Grass -
- pUdri-pildri.
- kutu.
- kau.
Tongue
- tanjama.
No -
- banni.
Stomach
- kunnakardi.
I
- sthanna.
Breasts
- sthamma.
You -
- andrugundree
Thigh -
- tarra.
Bark -
- pitjamurru.
Foot -
- tidna.
Good -
- sthurku.
Bone -
- wolpu.
Bad -
- madia.
Blood -
- giimTnari.
Sweet -
- murdu.
Skin -
- batta.
Food -
- workana.
Fat ■ - ■
- mami.
Hungry
- wordlara.
Bowels
- kunmateiri.
Thirsty
- sthalparia.
Excrement -
- kunna.
Eat -
- tarumda.
War-spear -
Reed-spear -
- pirrimpara.
Sleep -
- kurmala.
Wommera -
.
Drink
- puntarda.
Shield- ■-
- mudluworru.
Walk -
- tuckanda.
Tomahawk -
- karlara.
See -
- sthanninda
Oanoe -
Sit -
- tankarda.
Sun -
- muju.
Yesterday -
- woldapurta.
Moon -
- purtu.
To-day
- amti.
Star -
- kardipilla.
To-morrow -
- wongara.
Light -
- paredscM.
Where are the
tua tiara ?
Dark -
- sthalpuru.
Blacks ?
Cold -
- backala.
I don't know
- sthannago.
Heat -
- karrara.
Plenty-
- sthadla.
Day -
- muju.
Big -
- kartuwirri.
Night
- wompa.
Fire -
- macka.
Little -
- stharra.
Water
- kutta.
Dead -
- kumpirra.
Smoke
- mackatupu.
By-and-by -
- thaeinni.
Ground
- wodlu.
Come on
- kaua.
Wind -
- wonunara.
Milk -
-
Rain -
- kurraworra.
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
-
Wife -
-
14
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No, 44.— THE NORTH SHORE OP LAKE EYRE.
By p. E. Jacobs, Esq.
Per remarks on the spelling of this vocabulary see No. 43.
Kangaroo -
Opossum -
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu - - .
Black duck
Wood duck
Pelican
Laughing jackass
Native companion
White cockatoo -
Crow
Swan - - -
Egg -
Track of a foot
Pish -
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
Ply . -
Snake -
The Blacks -
A Blackfellow
A Black woman
Nose -
yshuckuru.
pilka.
tirrita.
workatji.
durnmi.
worrantjuma.
puralku.
wauwacka.
pampu.
pirtipupu.
dritji.
tipamakatu.
karna.
karmaehunara.
widla.
mudla.
Hand -
2 Blacks -
3 Blacks -
One - -
Two -
Three -
Pour -
Pather
Mother
Sister-Elder
„ Younger
Brother-Elder
,, Younger
A young man
An old man
An old woman -
A baby
A White man
Children
Head
Bye -
Ear -
- karna parukulu,
- karna paraku-
auna.
- sthunara.
- parukulu.
- parakuauna.
- parakulu-para-
kulu.
- stharrapi.
- sthandri.
- sthuttari.
- sthuju.
woUunku.
kurkaru.
wildapirna.
kubanaukatu.
sthurdutandra,
milki.
turpa.
THE NORTH SHORE OF LAKE EYRE.
15
No. 44. — The North Shobe of Lake Eybx.— continued.
Mouth
- morna.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth
- mornatirri.
Hill -
-
Hah- of the heac
- wuilpuru.
Wood
- pinta.
Beard
_
Stone -
- marda.
Thunder -
Camp -
-
Yes -
_
Grass -
- kuttu.
No -
-
Tongue
- tarlimaukatu.
I
Stomach
- tundru.
You -
- tidni.
Breasts
-
Bark -
- pitji.
Thigh -
-
Foot -
Good -
- tampa.
Bad -
- manna.
Bone -
- worrupu.
Sweet -
- mardu.
Blood -
-
Food -
_
Skin -
- kadla.
Pat -
Hungry
- mauanu.
Bowels
- kunnaworla.
Thirsty
- tardinu.
Excrement -
-
Eat -
- taiima.
War- spear -
- kuju.
Sleep -
- mokaparrena
Reed-spear -
-
Drink -
- tubburra.
Thro wing-stick
-
Walk -
- wappema.
Shield
- stharranamma
See -
- sthirkana.
Tomahawk -
-
Sit -
- sthammana.
Canoe -
-
Yesterday -
- woldra.
Sun -
- ditji.
To-day . -
- karikura.
Moon -
- stharra.
To-morrow -
- wonganuUi.
Star -
- ditjinaukata.
Where are ■
the
Light -
-
Dark -
-
Blacks?
Cold -
- backala.
I don't know
-
Heat -
-
Plenty
- whitta.
Day -
- ditji.
Big - -
- pirma.
Night
- palkara.
Little -
- wolka.
Fire -
- ture.
Dead - -
- naccri.
Water
- sthappa.
By-and-by -
- karra.
Smoke
- turotupu.
Come on
- phuila.
Ground
- woiliu.
Milk -
-
Wmd-
-
Rain -
- kurrara.
Eaglehawk
-
God -
_
WUd turkey
-
Ghosts
-
Wife -
-
16
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 45.— WEST OP LAKE EYRE.
By John Wabkbn, Esq., and John Hogarth, Esq.
Kangaroo -
- koongaroo.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum
- wombla.
2 Blacks -
- nulla parakula.
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu -
Black duck
Wood duck
Pelican
- mudlu.
- wilki.
• warrewotti.
- mulchawaroo.
- worandoo.
3 Blacks -
One -
Two -
Three -
Four -
- nulla kulparte.
- oyoo.
- parakula.
- kulparte.
- parakula-para-
Laughing jackass
Native companion wooroo.
White cockatoo - kadaroonga.
Crow - - - wakilla.
Father
Mother
Sister-Elder
kula.
- neia.
- looka.
- kakoo.
Swan -
- kooti.
,, Younger
- koobakoo.
Egg -
- bapoo.
Brother-Elder
- nooto.
Track of a foot
- darri.
,, Younger koobakoo.
Fish -
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
Fly -
- paroo.
- koongideri.
- ueni.
- yoorgoori.
A young man
An old man
An old woman
A baby
r kulpi.
- warroo.
- willula.
- koopa-koopa.
Snake
- wabina.
A White man
-
The Blacks -
- nulla.
Children -
-
A Blackfellow
- nulla.
Head -
- kardiapoo.
A Black woman
- bookoo.
Bye -
- miltekurte.
Nose -
- meetla.
Ear -
- yerri.
WEST OP LAKE EYRE.
17
No. 45.-
Mouth
- murna.
Teeth
- yakkara.
Hair of the head- yarree.
Beard -
- minga.
Thunder -
- pulpa.
Grass -
- komgara.
Tongue
- tarli.
Stomach
- koodnakurte.
Breasts
- ngumma.
Thigh -
-
Foot -
- tidna.
Bone -
- walpoo.
Blood -
- kooabmarri.
Skin -
- pelta-nooree.
Fat -
- mumi.
Bowels
- kunakurri.
Excrement -
- koodna
War-spear -
- peremboora.
Reed-spear -
- katchi.
Wommera or
throwing-stick
Shield
- moodlawarroo
Tomahawk -
- kaudi.
Canoe -
-
Sun -
- mooyoo.
Moon -
- burilla.
Star -
- kardikilla.
Light -
- arka.
Dark -
- milooroo.
Cold -
- mudli.
Heat - - .
- warontoha.
Day -
- wudla.
Night -
- alboonoo.
Fire -
- mukka.
Water
- koota.
Smoke
- toopo.
Ground
- wodla.
Wind -
- wobnera.
Rain -
- chaili.
God -
-
Ghosts
_
SB Eyrs— continued.
Boomerang -
-
Hill -
-
Wood -
- mukka.
Stone -
- kadna.
Camp -
- oo-oo-oor-roo.
Yes -
- pee, yarra.
No .
- padne.
I
- outu.
You - -
- anpa.
Bark -
-
Good -
- oo-oo-koo.
Bad -
- mudlante.
Sweet -
-
Food -
- chalpa.
Hungry -
-
Thirsty
-
Eat -
Sleep -
- koodnuUana.
Drink -
- poontarda.
Walk -
- ukunda.
See -
- nangenda.
Sit -
- tonkuima.
Yesterday -
- kulkara.
To-day
- woldarapoota
To-morrow -
- wongara.
Where are
the wetiara nulla
Blacks ?
I don't know
- wijero.
Plenty
- nooka.
Big -
■■ burra-burra.
Little -
- kooparkoopa.
Dead -
- boorunda.
By-and-by -
- yadnai.
Come on
- kowana.
Milk -
-
Eaglehawk -
-
Wild turkey
-
Wife -
-
VOL. II.
18 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 46.-WAEBURTON EIVER.
By W. J. Paull, Esq.
The following vocabulary of the language of tlie Ominee
tribe was forwarded to me by Mr. W. J. Paull, if I read
the signature correctly. That gentleman informs me that
the marches of the lands of the Ominee, Wongonooroo,
Kuranyooroo, and Yarleeyandee tribes, all intimately con-
nected, meet on the Warburton Eiver, at Oowarie head-
station. This country, my correspondent goes on to say,
was first occupied by the Whites in 1876, at which time
these tribes amounted in the aggregate to between six
and eight hundred souls, at which number they still
remain. No clothes are worn by them ; the women go
quite naked, and the men have only a belt made of
human hair round the waist, from which a fringe spun
from the fur of rats hangs in front. The men also
smear the skin with grease, and daub the body with
red and yellow ochre, and the women sometimes wear
a bone through the septum of the nose, which is pierced
for the purpose. Most of the males have two teeth
extracted, but not all of them. Several sorts of nets
are in use, made of rushes or human hair. This tribe
use no tomahawks, properly speaking; but for tomahawk
purposes a flint fixed chisel-fashion on to the end of
a piece of wood by means of a compound of water,
sand, and the ashes of a bush called mindree. This
instrument is, as the reader has seen, in extensive use
on the west coast. Their weapons are clubs, boomerangs,
and spears thrown by hand. The chief articles of food
are nardoo, fish, wild-fowl, eggs, rats, and snakes of
various sorts.
Cannibalism exists amongst them, but is not com-
monly practised. Sometimes when a Black dies from
natural causes, his relations eat portions of the body;
but if a death happens in a piny a or war party, any
of the tribe who are present partake of the fiesh of the
WARBURTON RIVER. 19
deceased. The reason of these differences probably is
that in camp a person might by magic take the life
of one not nearly related to him for the sake of a
meal; that relatives would never commit such an act; and
that none would do it whilst on the war-path, when every
combatant is of consequence. They say the human flesh
tastes much like that of the iguana. Mr. PauU gives
me the following names of persons: — Men: Yanchillina,
Pirrillina, Tarrallina, Nalkallina. Women: Yinkeetarrina,
Ithapappina, Waunillina, Koorakookanea.
The men marry women of other tribes. Polygamy is
in force, but my informant says that neither widows nor
widowers marry again, in which I think he must be
mistaken. He also remarks that most of the women who
have children seem to be between 28 and 40 years of age,
and that children are not numerous. These tribes scar the
body extensively by way of ornament. Most of the males
are admitted at about fifteen years of age to the rank of
young man by means of the terrible rite. Some, how-
ever, undergo circumcision only, and these are said to be
the fathers of the children in the tribe. Weighing the
facts, that the women rear no children until well on in
life, that the great majority of the males are rendered
incapable of begetting children and others not, and that
only some of them have teeth knocked out, I have no
doubt that these practices are the results of precise laws
the particulars of which have not reached me, the object
of which is to limit population. In connection with this
subject the reader is referred to the account of the Birria
tribe, near the junction of the Thompson and Barcoo.
Pitcheree is chewed by these tribes, and Mr. PauU
remarks that some of the Whites who have smoked it,
when tobacco has been scarce, say that it puts them to
sleep.
Around places where emu are known to be, the grass
is set on fire, and by this means they are driven into
nets or waterholes and killed. Kangaroo are hardly
B Z
20
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
found in this country. As usual, the hair of these tribes
is long, sometimes straight, and at others wavy and
curly. When a man dies, it is often thought to be the
result of a hone having been pointed at him by the
doctor of another tribe, and then an expedition to revenge
his death follows. Messengers are sometimes sent to
absent friends bearing a string saturated with the blood of
the sender, as an intimation to come to him speedily.
Friends- embrace each other on meeting after a long
absence. No signs of government or distinction of rank
exist in these tribes.
Mr. PauU's account is full of interest, and one cannot
help regretting that he had not materials to make it
more complete.
No. 46.— WARBURTON RIVER.
By W. J. Paull, Esq.
Kangaroo -
Opossum -
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu -
Black duck -
Wood duck
Pelican
Laughing jackass
Native companion
White cockatoo -
Crow - - -
Swan - - -
Egg -
Track of a foot -
Fish -
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
Fly - .
Snake
The Blacks
A Blackfellow
A Black woman
Nose -
chookeroo.
marloo.
kinthalla.
(the same).
warroogatty.
pia.
- toompingaroo.
pooralco.
karrong.
kowilka.
kootee.
kaapee.
dinna.
paroo.
koonkoodirri.
koontie, koinyee.
moonchow.
toothoo.
marroopoo.
kanna.
willa,
moola.
Hand - - ..
2 Blacks -
3 Blacks -
One -
Two -
Three
Four - - -
Father
Mother
Sister-Elder
„ Younger -
Brother-Elder -
,, Younger
A young man
An old man
An old woman -
A baby
A White man
Children
Head - - .
Eye -
Ear -
koono.
mandroo.
parrakoolo.
mandroo-man-
droo.
appurree.
andree
karkoo.
naatatta.
tarree.
pinaroo.
widleepena.
wakka-wakka.
primna-primna.
mungatundra.
milkee.
talpa.
WARBURTON EIVER.
2]
No. 46. — Wabbukton 'Riveb.— continued.
Boomerang -
Hill, if rocky
„ if sand
Wood -
Stone -
Camp -
Yes -
No - - ■
I - -
You -
Bark -
Good -
Bad -
Sweet -
Food -
Hungry
Thirsty
Eat -
Sleep -
Drink -
Walk -
See -
Sit - - -
Yesterday -
To-day
To-morrow -
Where are the
Blacks ?
I don't know - anacoo.
Plenty - - murrapoo.
Big - - - piarree.
Little - - - waddawak.
Dead - - - palHna.
By-and-by - - wallyea.
Come on - - kopperow.
Milk - - - namma.
Baglehawk - - karrawurra.
Wild turkey - kallatoora.
Wife - . - nooa.
Mouth
- muma.
Teeth -
- munathundra.
Hair of the head- parra.
Beard -
- nanka.
Thunder -
- pildree-pildree.
Grass -
- kanta.
Tongue
- tarlee.
Stomach
- mandree.
Breasts
- mamma.
Thigh -
- noora.
Foot -
- dinna.
Bone -
- mookoo.
Blood -
- koomarree.
Skin -
- dalla.
Fat -
- marnee.
Bowels
- kippera.
Excrement -
- koodna.
War-spear -
- kaltee.
Reed-spear -
-
Wommera or
preeta.
thro wing-stick
Shield
- pirramurra.
Tomahawk -
- toola.
Canoe -
-
Sun -
- ditchee.
Moon -
- pirra.
Star -
- ditchee (?)
Light -
- marroo.
Dark -
- warroo-warroo.
Cold -
- killpolee.
Heat -
- waldra.
Day -
- karrarree.
Night -
- melyarroo.
Fire -
- tooroo.
Water
- appa.
Smoke
- topoo.
Ground
" meta.
Wind -
- wattara.
Rain -
- tallarra.
God -
- mooroo-moora.
Ghosts
- koochee.
keera.
murda.
dakko.
raoolyea.
murda.
nooia.
yow.
pannee,
akannee.
inkannee.
pitchee.
nkoma.
moontohoo.
mardoopinna.
boaka.
mowallee.
tardeeallee.
tina.
moka.
tapooinna.
wappina.
nina.
nammerna.
waldrawirtee.
kurraree.
tunkapuma.
widderee kanna?
22
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 47.— WARBURTON RIVER.
By W. H. Cornish, Esq.
Kangaroo -
chookooroo.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum
wampala.
2 Blacks -
- yoo-oo parakoo-
Tame dog -
muUa.
loo.
Wild dog -
3 Blacks -
- yoo-ou koolparie
Emu -
waraguita.
One -
.
Black duck -
Two -
- parakooloo.
Wood duck-
Three -
- koolparie.
Pellcan
Laughing jackass
tumpunara.
Four -
Native companion pooralkoo.
Father
- anya.
White cockatoo -
kudaroonka.
Mother
- umma.
Crow -
wackalla.
Sister-Elder
- karkoo.
Swan -
koodie.
„ Younger
- koopalie.
Egg - -
parpoo.
Brother-Elder
- nutie-nutie.
Track of a foot
tidna.
,, Younger koopalie.
Fish -
warrie.
A young man
- kerna.
Lobster
Crajrflsh
koonkooderie.
An old man
- matapoota.
■
An old woman
- willula.
Mosquito
yoowinya.
Fly -
ooringoorie.
A baby
- nara-nara.
Snake (carpet)
wonungunnie.
A White man
-
The Blacks -
yoo-oo-oodla.
Children
- nara naroo-o-la.
A Blackfellow
yoo-oo.
Head
- kardappoo.
A Black woman
moncurra.
Eye -
- milkey.
Nose -
meedla.
Ear -
- yarrie,
WARBURTON RIVER.
23
No. 47. — Wabbubton Riveb — continued.
Mouth
- murna.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- yackarra.
Hill -
-
Hair of the head- wirrie.
Wood-
- muoka.
Beard
- unka.
Stone -
- kadna.
Thunder
- moonkarda.
Camp -
- ooria.
Grass -
- chilpa.
Yes -
- kowina.
Tongue
- tanjauna.
No - -
- panie.
Stomach
- koona-kuddie.
I
- unta.
Breasts
- umma.
Thigh
- tarra.
You -
- umpa.
Foot -
- tidna.
Bark -
- pitchamooroo.
Bone -
- walpoo.
Good -
- oorkoo.
Blood -
- koomarie.
Bad -
- mudla.
Skin -
- putta.
Sweet -
- oorkoo.
Fat -
- monnie.
Food -
- kartie.
Bowels
- koonaturie.
Hungry
- wadlara.
Excrement -
-
Thirsty
- aparra.
War-spear -
- wonna.
Eat -
- tuninda.
Reed-spear -
- kutchie.
Sleep -
- koonalunda.
Wommera or
munkoorara.
Drink -
- poontada.
throwing-stick
Walk -
- ukunda.
Shield -
- mooloowarroo.
Tomahawk -
See -
- nuninda.
Canoe -
_
Sit -
- tunkada.
Sun -
- mooyoo.
Yesterday -
- kulkawarra.
Moon -
- arkunnie.
To-day
- untie.
Star -
- kerdie-billa.
To-morrow -
- wongara.
Light -
- bukkie.
Where are
the yoo-too teara?
Dark -
- wona.
Blacks?
Cold -
- muUara.
I don't know
- ina koo.
Heat -
- kuna-kuUa.
Plenty
- udla.
Day -
-
Big -
- kirtiewirrie.
Night -
- wonga.
Fire -
- mukka.
Little -
- nara-nara.
Water
- koola.
Dead -
- wonchada.
Smoke
- toopoo.
By-and-by -
- woolya.
Ground
- wadlea.
Come on
- kowanarie.
Wind-
- womara.
Milk -
-
Rain -
- koorowara.
Baglehawk -
-
God -
--
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
Wife -
-
24
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 48.— COOPER'S CREEK, TO THE EASTWARD OF
ITS NORTHERN BRANCH ; ALSO KOONGI LAKE.
By W. H. Coknish, Esq., and Henky G. Salmon, Esq.
In connection with this portion of the Cooper's Creek
country, I have received vocabularies from W. H. Cornish,
Esq., and Henry G. Salmon, Esq. The one supplied by
the first of these gentlemen is from the language of the
Yowerawoolka tribe, and Mr. Salmon's from Koongi
(usually &pelt Coongy) Lake Station, lat. 27° south, long.
140° east, or thereabouts.
With his vocabulary, Mr. Salmon has also sent me some
particulars concerning the plant called pitcheree, which is
very extensively used in this portion of Australia. As the
weed is not found near Koongi (dry) Lake, long journeys
are made periodically to the north-west by the men of the
tribe to procure it. It is said to be a mild narcotic.
Women use it, but less frequently than men. The specimen
sent me by Mr. Salmon consisted of small sticks about the
thickness of rye-grass stems. "The Blacks'' — says this
gentleman — " first chew it into a mass, then mix it with the
ashes of gum-tree leaves, making a paste ball. This, when
kept in the mouth for some time, has a highly stimulating
effect." Mr. Salmon gives the following additional words : —
Quick -
- pukkulli.
Forehead -
- unda.
Knee -
- punta.
Feather
- kootya.
Gum-tree -
- yallawarroo.
Box-tree
- kulparoo.
SandhiU -
- merree.
Plain -
- yumburri.
Creek -
- kurrari.
Lake -
- ngappa-puina, or
big water.
Clouds
- parraweelpa.
Centipede -
- thinga-thinga.
Lizard -
- kupa.
Fishulg-net-
- peerly.
Ashes -
- toorpa.
Sick -
- woodiawarra.
COOPER'S CREEK. 25
Bring a fire-stiok - - - mukka arrangunoo.
Bring water ngappa arramundratulka.
Which way shall we go ? - - iilanda towmahatohi ?
Where are you sick? or In what part iilanoonoo woodiwarra inganitchi ?
do you feel amiss ?
It is going to rain - - - - mura (or unyara) towara.
In the vocabulary and Additional Words of this language
the reader may compare the equivalents of The Blacks;
Where are the Blacks? Where shall we go? and Where
are you sick? The termination hatchi, itchi, &c., in con-
nection with iilanda, &c. = where is remarkable.
26
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE :
No. 48.— COOPER'S CREEK.
By H. G. Salmon,
Kangaroo -
- chookooroo.
Hand -
-
- murra.
Opossum -
- murloo.
2 Blacks
-
- kooroo barkoola.
Tame dog -
- pandi.
3 Blacks
.
- kooroo barkoola
Wild dog -
-
goona.
Emu -
- warrawidgee.
One -
_
- goona.
Black duck
- dickeri.
Two -
- barkoola.
Wood duck
- goornabrinna.
Three -
- barkoola goona.
Pelican
- dookamerri.
Four -
.
- barkoola-bar-
Laughing jackass
koola.
Native companion koodri.
White cockatoo - nerrapitita.
Father
Mother
-
- appari.
- undri.
Crow -
- kaoolika.
Sister-Elder
- kako.
Swan -
- kurrawatti.
Egg -
- pampo.
,, Younger
-
Track of a foot
- palto.
Brother-Elder
- mooto.
Fish -
- kooya
j»
Young
er
Lobster
_
A young
man
- poolya.
Crayfish
- narramiuyeh.
An old man
- kooroo-kooroo.
Mosquito -
- koonti.
An old woman
- gooroolpo.
Fly -
- moondyoo.
A baby
-
- tiddari.
Snake -
- parday.
A White
man
- purloo.
The Blacks -
- kooroo.
Children
.
- murrowa.
A Blackfellow
- koornoo.
Head -
-
- koka.
A Black woman
- yewa.
Eye -
-
- meetyee.
Nose -
- kinta.
Ear -
-
- tulpa.
COOPER'S CREEK.
27
No. 48. — Cooper's Creek — continued.
Mouth
- murna.
Boomerang -
- yarrakoodakoo
Teeth -
- nurruko.
dari.
Hair of the head- oolparoo.
Hill -
-
Beard
- unga.
Wood
- wottee.
Thunder -
- unnera.
Stone -
- muddra.
Grass •
- poka.
Camp -
- noora.
Tongue
- pulpa.
Yes -
- kow.
Stomach
- toondroo.
No -
- pannee.
Breasts
- umma.
I
- unnyi.
Thigh
- wondakilla.
You -
- yeanyi.
Foot -
- tinna.
Bark -
- dallamurroo.
Bone -
- moko.
Good -
- pytchi.
Blood -
- purrutera, yanga-
Bad -
- murlundi.
rungooroo.
Sweet -
- palyunginee.
Skin -
- durla.
Food -
- tyinunga.
Fat -
- munni.
Hungry
- moaly.
Bowels
- koornaduUa.
Thirsty
- tatipalla.
Excrement -
- kooma.
Bat -
- boorta, kur-
War-spear -
- windra.
nunga.
Reed-spear -
-
Sleep -
- toorungariati.
Wommera -
- yarra.
Drink -
- tappernunga.
Shield
- narratitta.
Walk -
- tooarnunga.
Tomahawk -
- mudramoodipa.
See - -
- wooranunga.
Canoe -
- ukobichi.
Sit - -
- ninanunga.
Sun -
- trlchi.
Yesterday -
- ananinna nook
Moon -
- prira.
dra.
Star -
- trichi poolya.
To-day
- kaiiri.
Light -
- minda.
To-morrow -
- murrawinka.
Dark -
- murree.
Where are
;he iilatunna koor-
Cold -
- multee.
Blacks?
natohi?
Heat -
- murpununga.
I don't know
- kareel atunna.
Day -
- mindii.
Plenty
- mulkuri.
Night
- murilla.
Big -
- uli.
Fire -
- mukka.
Little -
- poolya.
Water
- ngappa.
Dead -
- puldringunna.
Smoke
- toopo.
By-and-by -
- mini.
Ground
- purla.
Come on
- kupparow.
Wind-
- tyiri.
Milk -
-
Rain -
- unyara.
Eaglehawk
-
God - -
-
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
-
Wife -
-
28
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 48.— COOPER'S CREEK.
By W. H. CoKNiSH, Esq.
Kangaroo -
chookooroo.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum
mulloo.
2 Blacks -
- kerna parakoola
Tame dog -
pandi.
3 Blacks -
- kerna parakoola
Wild dog -
koornoo
Emu -
quarra.
One -
- koornoo.
Black duck -
Two -
- parakoola.
Wood duck-
Three -
- parakoola
Pelican
dukkamirri.
koornoo.
Laugking jackass
Pour -
-
Native companion pooralko.
Pather
- appardi.
White cockatoo
koodrnnkoo.
Mother
- undri.
Crow -
kowulka.
Sister-Elder
- karoo.
Swan -
koodri.
„ Younger
-
Egg - -
pompoo.
Brother-Elder
- ootoo.
Track of a foot ■
tidna.
,, Younger
Fish -
paroo.
A young man
- karroo.
Lobster
An old man
- karroo-karroo (?)
Crayfish -
kidneykooderi.
An old woman
- kooroopoo.
Mosquito -
kunti.
A baby
- poola-poola.
Ply . - -
moonohoo.
A White man
-
Snake -
wooma.
Children -
- poolung malkeri
The Blacks -
kerna.
(many).
A Blackfellow -
kerna, koornoo.
Head -
- koonkoo.
A Black woman -
moukurra.
Eye - -
- mitchie.
Nose -
kitita.
Ear
koochara,
COOPER'S CREEK.
29
No. 48. — Cooper's Creek — continued.
Mouth
- muma.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth
- mundrakoo.
Hill -
-
Hair of the heac
- koonkoo.
Wood -
- mukka.
Beard
- unga.
Stone -
- murdra.
Thunder
- yinki, indie.
Camp -
- ooria.
Grass
- kuntha.
Yes - -
- kowina.
Tongue
- perpa.
No -
- hii panni.
Stomach
- koonanewa.
I
- ini.
Breasts
- umma.
You -
- yinni.
Thigh
- wondakilla.
Bark -
- delamooroo.
Foot -
- tidna.
Good -
- wotchi.
Bone -
- mookoo.
Bad -
- munamerla.
Blood -
- yoongooroo-
Sweet -
-
Skin -
- dulla(bark?)
Food -
- booka.
Fat -
- monni.
Hungry
- mooalli.
Bowels
- koonakuUi.
Thirsty
- moorrelli.
Excrement -
- koodna.
Eat -
- taindri.
War-spear -
- winara.
Sleep -
- mookapiari.
Reed-spear -
-
Drink -
- tupendri.
Wommera -
- munkoorara.
Walk- -
- towindri.
Shield- -
- narateta
See -
- wowindri.
Tomahawk -
-
Sit -
- ninindri.
Canoe -
_
Sun -
- kooti.
Yesterday -
- kulkunni.
Moon -
- pirra.
To-day
- kiari.
Star -
- koolipoolya.
To-morrow -
- mumatunka.
Light -
- karumha.
Where are
the kerna ilakarri ?
Dark -
- murri.
Blacks ?
Cold -
- poondrali.
I don't know
- ha koo.
Heat -
- mukkalla.
Plenty
- mulkirri.
Day -
- karumba.
Big - -
■• puma.
Night -
- murri.
Little -
- poolya.
Fire -
- mukka.
Dead -
- nari.
Water
- apa.
By-and-by -
- minni.
Smoke
- toopoo.
Come on
- kaparow.
Ground
- pudla.
Wmd -
- tiarri.
Milk -
-
Rain -
- unjara.
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
.
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
Wife -
-
30
THE AUSTRALIAN EACE :
No. 49.— COOPER'S CREEK, IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WHERE
BURKE AND WILLS DIED.
By Alfred Howitt, Esq., P.M.
Kangaroo -
tchukuro.
Hand -
- mirra.
Opossum
2 Blacks -
- mandra kurna.
Tame dog -
kintalla.
3 Blacks -
- barcolo kurna.
Wild dog -
One -
- coono.
Emu -
warrawatty.
Two -
- mandro.
Black duck -
tarralko.
Wood duck -
Three -
- barcolo.
Pelican
tampangra.
Four ■ -
- mandro-mandro
Laughing jackass
Father
-
Native companion
bouralko.
Mother
-
White cockatoo -
Sister-Elder
.
Crow -
,, Younger
Swan -
cotee.
Brother-Elder
_
Egg - - -
Track of a foot -
capee.
palto.
,, Younger
Fish -
paroo.
A young man
- carra-wallee,
Lobster
coopa.
Crayfish
An old man
- pinnaroo.
Mosquito -
An old woman
-
Ply -
A baby
-
Snake -
tuohu.
A White man
- pirri-wirri.
The Blacks -
kurna.
Children -
.
A Blaokfellow
kurna.
Head -
_-
A Black woman -
noa.
Eye -
- milkee.
Nose -
Ear -
.
COOPER'S CREEK.
31
No. 49. — Cooper's Greek — continued.
Mouth
-
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
-
Hill -
-
Hair of the head
-
Wood -
- pattara.
Beard -
-
Stone -
- murda.
Thunder
Camp -
- gnoura (ngoora?)
Grass -
-
Yes - -
- aho.
Tongue
-
No -
- watta.
Stomach
.
Breasts
.
I
- gnannee, gnatto
Thigh -
.
You -
- yennee.
Foot -
- tinna.
Bark -
-
Bone -
.
Good -
- gnomo.
Blood -
-
Bad -
- malinkee.
Skin -
Sweet -
- ngomo.
Fat -
-
Food -
- mowalley.
Bowels
-
Hungry
- minalley.
Excrement -
-
Thirsty
-
War-spear -
-
Eat -
- tyena.
Reed-spear -
Sleep
- ngourana.
Throwing-stick
Shield -
-
Drink
- tappena.
Walk
- balkala, taykana.
Tomahawk -
- bomaiko.
See -
- milkelee.
Canoe -
- (none).
Sun -
■ deekee.
Sit -
- ningeea.
Moon -
- peera.
Yesterday -
-
Star -
- peera warka-
To-day
-
warka.
To-morrow -
- tanko-burna.
Light -
-
Where are
uhe kurna woordary?
Dark -
-
Blacks?
Cold -
- puldralee.
I don't know
-
Heat -
-
Plenty
-
Day -
- deekee.
Big - -
- pinna.
Night -
-
Little -
- warka-warka.
Fire -
- tooroo.
Dead -
- nandrena.
Water
- appa.
By-and-by -
- minny-miniiy.
Smoke
- toopoo.
Ground
- mitta.
Come on
■ - ooperow.
Wind-
_
Milk -
-
Rain -
- tallera.
Baglehawk -
-
God -
-
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
-
Wife -
-
32
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 50.— COOPER'S CREEK, NEAR THE BOOLOO RIVER.
Bt a. F. Sullivan, Esq., and Ernest Eolinton, Esq.
Kangaroo -
thaldara.
Hand -
murra.
Opossum -
murrathurra.
2 Blacks -
Tame dog -
thit-the.
3 Blacks -
Wild dog -
One -
watohualie.
Emu -
koolbaree.
Two -
barcoola.
Black duck
willunga.
Three -
barcoola ther-
Wood duck
ngowera.
watchoo.
Pelican
Four -
barcoola tra bar-
Laughing jackass
coola.
Native companion koonthurra.
Father
umacher.
White cockatoo
thirindhella.
Mother
ummaldja.
Crow -
worgaritchee.
Sister-Elder
kurrunni.
Swan -
kootooroo.
,, Younger
koorkane.
Egg - - -
kupiuya.
Brother-Elder
koortchie.
Track of a foot
thinna.
, , Younger
karkuudi.
Fish - -
kooa.
A young man
buloabit-thee.
Lobster
thandoola.
An old man
kurroo.
Crayfish
An old woman
bootchoo, minna
Mosquito -
eurie.
A baby
warniwah.
Fly -
mooginger.
A White man
■ birrie.
Snake -
ngoothe.
Children
warrawarra min
The Blacks -
kurna.
gee.
A Blackfellow -
kurna.
Head -
kooka.
A Black woman -
walga.
Eye -
bootharoo.
Nose - - -
moola.
Ear -
ngurramunda.
COOPER'S CREEK.
33
No. 50. — Cooper's Ckeek, neae, the Booloo Eivbe — continued.
Mouth
- thiga, thaia.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth
- dthiga.
Hill -
,
Hair of the head
■ konkooroo.
Wood -
- muckoora.
Beard -
- unkooroonka.
Thunder -
- malloo.
Stone
- yundera.
Grass
- koola.
Camp -
- ngoora.
Tongue
- thulgunya.
Yes -
- kow.
Stomach
- i-e-mulla.
No - -
- walya.
Breasts
- umma.
I
- ngoocha.
Thigh
- thoorka.
You - ■-
■• unnee.
Foot
- thinna.
Bark -
- wombo.
Bone -
- moko.
Blood -
- mundalga.
Good -
- thallie.
Skin -
• nuncheenia.
Bad -
- mepa.
Fat -
- murnee.
Sweet -
-
Bowels
- goonabulga-
Pood -
- thalthurra.
bulga.
Hungry
- unga.
Excrement -
- koona.
Thirsty
- ungegula.
War-spear -
- yungoo.
Eat -
- thalthagurra
Reed-spear -
Wommera or
"
Sleep
- walgurra.
throwing-stick
Drink
- ungegula.
Shield-
- bur-o-goo.
Walk -
- yanthegurra.
Tomahawk -
.
See -
- yaddegurra.
Canoe -
- ngumboo.
Sit -
- koolagurra.
Sun -
- milla.
Yesterday -
- neela.
Moon -
- mirriekurinya.
To-day
- puUa.
Star -
- titchee.
To-morrow -
- wekuUa.
Light -
- bitthemurra-
Where are the
gurra.
Blacks ?
Dark -
Cold -
- ngowoo.
•* thillaba.
I don't know
- walya.
Heat -
- yowoora.
Plenty
- marrkoo.
Day -
- weka. "
Big - -
- thoondoo.
Night -
- nala.
Little -
- whyewa.
Fire -
- wee.
Dead -
- palloogurra.
Water
- ugukka.
By-and-by -
- thoona.
Smoke
- thopo.
Come on
- kowatha.
Ground
- thukka.
Wind-
- yalla.
Milk -
-
Rain -
- peeter.
Eaglehawk
-
God -
-
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
-
Wife -
-
VOL. II.
(
-1
34
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
No. 51.— NOCKATOONGA, WILSON RIVER.
By T. W. Foott, Esq.
Kangaroo -
thuldra.
Hand -
munbroo.
Opossum
murrathurra.
2 Blacks -
Tame dog -
thithe.
3 Blacks -
Wild dog -
One -
witeyooally.
Emu" -
koolpurri.
Two -
barkoola.
Black duck -
Wood duck
Pelican
nowirra.
kooraburra.
Three -
Four -
wunnoo.
Laughing jackass
(none).
Father
nundetya.
Native companion
goonthurra.
Mother
umdetya.
White cockatoo ■
Sister-Elder
thurrengera.
Crow -
Swan -
Egg - -
Track of a foot
Fish ■
wawkaretche.
thurragoora.
kuppy.
thinna.
gooia.
„ Younger
Brother-Elder
Younger
A young man
kurwidge.
kumgoo.
Lobster
An old man
kurroo.
Crayfish
thinta.
An old woman
wuUganooga.
Mosquito -
noonaruUy.
A baby
wurriwa.
Fly -
mokinga.
A White m.au
Snake
The Blacks -
A Blackfellow
moona.
noo-ga.
Children -
Head -
- mootha.
- thumkoora.
A Black woman
wuUga.
Eye -
- boolderoo.
Nose -
moolya.
Ear -
- nurramunda.
NOCKATOONGA, WILSON RIVER.
35
No. 51. — NoCKATOONOA, WiLSON RivEB — contimied.
Mouth
- tia.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- neelumburra.
Hill -
-
Hair of the head
- kumkoora.
Wood -
- mukoora.
Beard -
- unkoora.
Stone -
- yandra.
Thunder
- muUoo.
Camp -
- noora.
Grass -
■ goola.
Yes -
- maia.
Tongue
- thuUunya.
No -
- yow.
Stomach
- naiamuUa.
I-
Breasts
- numma.
You -
-
Thigh -
- bilgurra.
Bark -
- kooly.
Foot -
- thinna.
Good -
- muUinye.
Bone ■
- munka.
Bad -
- toonka.
Blood -
- pundulya.
Sweet -
.
Skin -
- boontyoo.
Food -
- tulta.
Fat -
Bowels
Excrement -
- mumi.
Hungry
Thirsty
- goouga.
- nukka linya
(water want)
War-spear -
- muUyoo.
Eat - ■ -
- thultola.
Reed-spear -
- (not used).
Sleep -
- woggo-gilla.
Wommera -
- (not used).
Drink -
-
Shield -
- boorgoo.
Walk -
- yantharilla.
Tomahawk -
- kootya.
See -
- thundolo.
Canoe -
- (not used).
Sit -
- koolo-gilla.
Sun -
- yow-wirra.
Yesterday -
-
Moon -
- merbirinye.
To-day
-
Star -
- ditye.
To-morrow -
-
Light -
- weeka.
Where are the
Dark -
- nowa.
Blacks ?
Cold -
- thalluba.
I don't know
-
Heat -
- yow-wirra.
Plenty-
- noo-ga.
Day -
- puUa.
Big -
- noo-ga.
Night -
- wawgurra.
Little -
- rhunyam.
Fire -
Water -
Smoke
Ground
Wind -
Rain -
- wee.
- nukka.
- thoopoo.
- thukka.
Dead -
By-and-by -
Come on
Milk -
Eaglehawk -
- pooloowuUa.
- mulpurra.
God -
.
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
-
Wife -
-
C2
36 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 52.— THARGOMINDA, BULLOO EIVER.
By p. W. Mtles, Esq., P.M.
Foe my information concerning the Wonkomarra tribe,
which inhabits the Bulloo within a radius of twenty miles
around Thargominda, I am indebted to the kindness of
Frederic W. Myles, Esq., P.M. The names of the tribes
which adjoin the Wonkomarra are, to the south, the Poid-
gerry (on the Currowinya Downs station) and the Bitharra
(on the Bulloo Downs station); to the west, the Thiralla
(on the Nockatoongo station) and Bromarra (on the Con-
bar station) ; to the north, the Bunthomarra (on the Mount
Margaret station) and the Murgoin (on the Ardock
station) ; and on the east by the same tribe (on the Dyne-
vor station). How many the Wonkomarra tribe numbered
when the Whites took possession of their country is not
known, but in 1883 ninety of them were still alive, nine
being children, and the females more numerous than the
males, both of which facts point to a very considerable
decrease in numbers. Their country was first occupied by
the Whites in 1863 or thereabouts. At that time opossum-
rugs were not much in use in the tribe. Their ornaments
were reed necklaces, shells, and feathers, the women wearing
at the corroboree a fringe of string from waist to mid-thigh.
When menstruating, the women paint the body with red
ochre, and persons in mourning with mud or pipe-clay. Their
tomahawks, before they obtained iron ones from the Whites,
THARaOMINDA, BULLOO RIVER. 37
were of green stone, as large as an American axe, the sides
rather roughly chipped, and the edges ground smooth.
Their knives, as usual, were bits of flint gummed on to
wooden handles; weapons were of the common sorts; their
spears thrown by hand and not with the wommera; and
their toy boomerangs returned to the thrower. Their food,
as usual, comprised whatever living things and edible roots
their country produces and also seeds. In cookery, they
grilled on the fire; they also baked their food in ovens, or
holes dug in the ground for the purpose, at whatever place
they might chance to encamp, and not, as in the south, at
particular places, so that the ash-heaps found in Victoria,
and commonly called ovens (and by one writer myrnong
heaps), are not found in their country. Eestrictions with
respect to the use of certain sorts of food by females and
youths were in force. Small-pox, which devastated the
Australian tribes from 1789 to 1840, did not reach the
BuUoo.
With the object of preventing consanguineous marriages,
the Wonkomarra tribe is divided into several classes, each
called after some animal, as emu, snake, opossum, &c. In
or out of the tribe (for the neighbouring tribes had similar
organizations) a male of the snake class, for instance, could
only marry a female of the emu 6lass, and so on. Before
the coming of the Whites, any infraction of this law was
visited with death; but in this tribe, as in all others,
aboriginal laws have given way before our civilization. Mr.
Myles thinks the women gave birth, on an average, to about
eight children each. Infanticide is a practice of old-
standing. Scrofulous swellings of the neck are common,
and . consumption the prevailing disease. The males have
the usual ornamental scars on the forearm, chest, and thighs ;
the females on the thighs and upper part of the stomach.
The septum of the nose is perforated in both sexes, and the
females have two front teeth knocked out. In performing
this operation, a stone is held inside the mouth in contact
with the teeth which are to be removed ; against them, on
38 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
the outside of the gums, is placed the aboriginal chisel,
which is smartly struck with a heavy bit of wood or stone,
and by this means the teeth are punched out. A fire-stick
is then applied to the bleeding gums to remove the pain or
stop the bleeding. Some only of the males are circumcised.
Pitcheree is in use, being obtained by barter from the
Cooper's Creek tribes. This weed, which my informant says
has much the same effects as opium on a Chinaman, is
prepared by chewing and then mixing with wood-ashes and
the leaf of some plant of which he does not know the name ;
it is then baked in the hot embers of the fire, after which it
is ready for use. The first chewing was a part of the
process of preparation ; it is now chewed for pleasure,
like tobacco. A man at the camp masticates a quid, and
after a time passes it to his neighbour, who does the
same, and so it goes round the party.
In this tribe, I am informed, the women bury the
dead, an instance of the fact that, amidst the sameness
of Australian manners, there is no tribe without some
little novelty. The most common causes of war are steal-
ing women and hunting on the territory of a neighbouring
tribe. Before the fighting men set out to avenge an injury
of any sort, a herald is despatched to the enemy to declare
war, and his life is held sacred. The members of the
tribe salute each other on meeting after an absence hy
throwing their hands up to their heads. No form of
government exists, but in matters of importance the old
men are always consulted. One old female, whom the
Blacks, when speaking English, call doctor, has great
influence. With this tribe some difficulty is . found in
getting persons to tell their native names. The following,
however, have been obtained: — Men: Mipbungithe, Pialli,
Cobongooe, Bobitje, Burbinni, and Bathine. Women: Coo-
lethe, Barkaunta, Bingeranta, Nanbaranga, Etheranga.
Boys: Beuranga, son of Etheranga; Undaranga, son of
Nanberanga. Qirls: Billethe, Mara; and Wingo, daughter
of Pialli.
THARGOMINDA, BULLOO RIVER.
39
It is important to notice that this language is related
to those of Cooper's Creek, Umbertana, Beltana, Port
Lincoln, and others to the south-west, whilst the tribes
immediately to the eastward- of the Wonkomarra speak
languages akin to those in use to the north-east. A com-
parison of the Upper BuUoo equivalents for a Black, yes,
kangaroo, emu, egg, hair, &c., with those of Cooper's
Creek and the other places named will make this relation-
ship clear, the agreement of the equivalents of a Black
and yes being strong evidence on this point. The practice
the BuUoo tribes have of chewing pitckeree is another
evidence of the relationship in question. On these cir-
cumstances I lay particular stress, as they go to show
the correctness of the map on which the routes taken by
the several sections into which the race split as it spread
itself over the continent are indicated.
The reader will notice in the vocabulary the affinities
between the words tongue, eat, and drink, a not uncommon
occurrence in our languages, and may find himself led by
them to some considerations in connection with savage
prehistoric speech generally. The female with tribal
influence amongst the Wonkomarra is an exceptional
feature in aboriginal manners. Besides the common
vocabulary, Mr. Myles gives the following additional
words : —
Ribs -
- monka.
Near at hand
- wena.
Side - , -
- warriba.
I think so -
- na-berri.
Elbow -
- thurte.
Yam-stick -
- marie.
Lightning -
Sky - -
Go quickly -
Come quickly -
Stop -
- bitha-bitha.
- i-yerra.
- yerrangurra.
- yannaera.
- nina-yatho.
Cloud -
Mist -
Husband -
Angry
Jealous
Strong
- thiringera.
- gunmo.
- nupa.
- malu.
- como, keranetha
- mirtimberri.
Young woman
- maie.
That will do
- nore.
Dirty fellow
- dooka-bitte.
Flour -
- bullowarra.
Stinking
- dunka.
Bread -
- mano.
A long way off
- camparre.
Comet
- gunke.
40
THE AUSTRALIAN RAGE:
No. 52.— THARGOMINDA, BULLOO RIVER.
Kangaroo -
- kuUa.
Hand -
- mara.
Opossum
- gurrigen.
2 Blacks -
-
Tame dog -
- mari.
3 Blacks -
-
Wild dog -
- mari.
One -
- tharranya.
Emu -
- koolberri.
Two -
- barcoola.
Black duok-
- urle.
Three - ■ -
- barcoola go
Wood duck
- bitta-bitta.
warra.
Pelican
- kaubungarra.
Four -
- barcoola-bar-
Laughing jackass (none).
coola.
Native companion (none).
Father
- wanyu.
White cockatoo
- derringerri.
Mother
- unu.
Crow -
- wathakur.
Sister-Elder
- yaggoarre.
Swan -
-
,, Younger
- gunyarre.
Egg - -
- kuppe.
Brother-Elder
- bommo.
Track of a foot
- yappara.
„ Younge
r gongoogo.
Fish - -
- guia.
A young man
- oolyarra.
Lobster
-
An old man
- korroo.
Crayfish
- buggilla.
An old woman
- budtha mepa.
Mosquito -
- yoori.
A baby
- mitha burlu (i.e.,
Fly -
- mogundhoo.
little one).
Snake -
- yethe, moona.
A White man
- doona(see ghost)
The Blacks -
- waruo, ura.
Children -
- mutba.
A Blackfellow
- ura, kunga.
Head -
- bunda.
A Black woman
- wethetha.
Eye -
- mongoora.
Nose -
- minke.
Ear -
- bina.
THARGOMINDA, BULLOO RIVER
41
No. 52.— Thabgomikda, Bulloo River— coniimiterf.
Mouth
- thia.
Teeth -
- tiaa.
Hair of the head
- konkoora.
Beard -
- nankoora.
Thunder -
- mlndarro.
Grass ■•
- gootho.
Tongue
- therlia.
Stomach -
- na-e-mil-la.
Breasts
- nama.
Thigh -
- thara.
Foot -
- dinna.
Bone -
- monka.
Blood -
- gomia.
Skin -
- oolia Off yoolia.
Fat -
- monne.
Bowels
- warria.
Excrement -
- oono.
War-spear -
- yongo.
Reed -spear -
- (none).
Throwing-stick
- (none).
Shield -
- burrigo.
Tomahawk -
- gudga.
Canoe -
- (none).
Sun -
- thurnwia.
Moon -
- mirkerinia.
Star -
- teke.
Light -
- bitta (muna?)
Dark -
- birta.
Cold -
- terria.
Heat -
- boia.
Day -
- muma.
Night -
- birta.
Fire -
- wee.
Water
- napa.
Smoke
- bobatho.
Ground
- docka^
Wind-
-
Rain -
- yama.
God -
- pedongaloo.
Ghosts
- doona.
Boomerang ■
Hill -
Wood -
Stone -
Camp -
Yes -
No -
I
You
Bark
Good
Bad
Sweet -
Food
Hungry
Thirsty
Eat -
Sleep -
Drink -
Walk -
See -
Sit -
Yesterday -
To-day
To-morrow -
Where are
Blacks?
I don't know
Plenty
Big - -
Little -
Dead -
By-and-by ■
Come on
Milk -
Baglehawk -
Wild turkey
Wife -
the
wanna,
bompa (sand).
nora.
thurloo.
kow.
yow.
atho.
yundo.
birrea, toombo.
oloberri.
winne-winne.
■ monne gubba.
■ birajanna.
' napa thala altha.
• thale.
• annetho(?)
- thale.
- aunetho(?)
- nantharriga.
- yennana.
- nelia.
- konye.
- birtarra.
ye ninka ura
wamo ?
ni yea allit
nanka.
wamo.
koba.
mitta burlo.
daukeyan.
boUee.
kommera, ko-
mitha.
new-wera.
42
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 53.— LOWER BULLOO RIVBR.
By a. F. Sullivan, Esq.
Kangaroo -
- koola.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum
- koorakunnia.
2 Blacks -
- barkoola ngooara
Tame dog -
- mirre.
3 Blacks -
-
Wild dog -
-
One -
- warra.
Emu
- koolbarree.
Two -
- barkoola.
Black duck
- willunga.
Three -
- barkoola ma
Wood duck - koonare.
Pelican - - kowbernuggera.
Laughing jackass
Four -
warra.
- barkoola ma
Native companion koonthurra.
White cockatoo - thirindthela.
Father
UaiLiS.\3\}Lcbt
- urni.
Crow
- worga.
Mother
- ummadi.
Swan -
- kootooroo.
Sister-Elder
- kurrangi.
Egg - -
- kuppo.
„ Younger
-
Track of a foot
- chinna.
Brother-Elder
- karkoori.
Fish -
- kooya.
„ Younger
Lobster
-
A young man
- bulkabUthi.
Crayfish
- boogali.
An old man
- kurookuroo.
Mosquito -
- oonawalli.
An old woman
- bootchoo.
Fly - ~
- moogingoo.
A baby
- kidtha.
Snake -
- yelohi.
A White man
- birri-birri.
The Blacks
- ngoorra.
Children
- gidthuga.
A Blackfellow
- tharinya.
Head -
- boontha.
A Black woman
- wilthetha.
Eye -
- mungaroo(?)
Nose -
- minchi.
Ear -
- pinna.
LOWER BULLOO RIVER.
43
No. 53. — LowEB BuLLOO RiVEB — continued.
Mouth
- thiga.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- tiga.
Hill -
-
Hair of the head
- koonkooroo.
Wood -
- wagga.
Beard -
- unkooroo.
Stone -
- yernda.
Thunder ■■
- girriwarra.
Camp -
- thalloo.
Graas -
- kuudha.
Yes -
- kow.
Tongue
- thuUa.
No -
- yowoo.
Stomach
- i-e-muUa.
I
- witchi.
Breasts
- umma.
You -
-
Thigh
- thurra.
Bark -
- bindara.
Foot -
- thinna.
Good -
- ooloo.
Bone -
- munka.
Bad -
- wiTime.
Blood -
- kooma.
Sweet -
-
Skin -
- but-tha.
Food -
- thuUinna.
Fat -
Bowels
- murni.
- goonabulga.
Hungry
Thirsty
- unga.
- thirtima.
Excrement -
War-spear -
- oonoo.
- murli.
Eat -
Sleep -
- thuUigurra.
- oonana.
Reed-spear -
Throwing-stick
Shield
Tomahawk -
- googarra.
- kootcha.
Drink -
Walk -
See -
- thirtima.
- unnegarra.
- yundergurra.
Canoe -
- boorlee.
Sit -
- yinnagurra.
Sun -
- thunoo.
Yesterday -
- ueela.
Moon -
- mirri-kurringa.
To-day
- kunye.
Star -
- titchi.
To-morrow -
- piltowera.
Light -
- bithangurrigurri.
Where are the thunbooroo
Dark -
Cold -
Heat -
Day -
Night -
Fire -
- bithan.
- markooroo.
- bo-i-ga.
- weka.
- nala.
- wee.
Blacks ?
I don't know
Plenty
Big -
Little -
ngoorra?
- yowoo.
- marroo.
- gi-joba.
- mitchewarroo
Water
- nguppa.
Dead -
- thanchegurra.
Smoke
- thooraka.
By-and-by -
- barloo.
Ground
- thukka.
Come on
- kowi.
Wind
- koogathinne.
Milk -
-
Rain -
- yanna.
Eaglehawk -
-
God - -
-
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
-
Wife - -
-
44 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 54.— A TEIBE TO THE EAST OF STEZELECKI'S
CREEK.
The words wMch I have received from this locality, at
which the boundaries of Queensland, New South Wales, and
South Australia come into contact, are so few as not to be
worth transcribing. The first of them is Chookaroo = kanga-
roo, and they show generally an affinity with the languages
of Cooper's Creek.
No. 55.— FROM MOUNT FREELING TO PIRIGUNDI
LAKE.
By Me. Samuel Gason.
The following account of the Dieyerie tribe was published
in 1874 by Mr. Samuel Gason, who has kindly allowed
me to republish it. Mr. Gason spent over nine years in
the country of the Dieyerie, and his monograph of that
tribe seems to me to stand alone in excellence amongst
accounts of the sort, if we except the late George Taplin's
account of the Narrinyeri tribe. Mr. Gason's pamphlet
is, omitting the preface, &c., as follows: —
THE DIEYERIE TRIBE OP AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINES.
PAET I.
The Tribe; Country; Neighbours; Good and Evil Quali-
ties; Low of Bartering; Food; Dogs; Traditions of
the Creation, and of the Sun; Subdivision into
Families.
The Dieyerie tribe numbers about 230; the four neigh-
bouring tribes — the Yandrawontha, Yarrawaurka, Auminie,
and Wongkaooroo, about 800— in all about 1,030.
MOUNT ^REELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE. 45
Their country is about 630 railes north of Adelaide, the
capital of the Province of South Australia, and is bounded
at the most southerly point by Mount Freeling, at the most
northerly point by Pirigundi Lake (on the Cooper Eiver),
at the most easterly point by Lake Hope, and at the most
westerly point at a part yet unnamed, but about eighty
miles from Lake Hope. This country is traversed by
Cooper's Creek — there only a chain of lakes without any
defined channel.
Their language is understood by the four neighbouring
tribes, with whom they keep up ostensibly a friendly inter-
course, inviting and being invited to attend each other's
festivals, and mutually bartering, but in secret they enter-
tain a most deadly enmity to each other, although at the
same time believing that they came from a parent stock,
and even intermarrying.
A more treacherous race I do not believe exists. They
imbibe treachery in infancy, and practice it until death, and
have no sense of wrong in it. Gratitude is to them an
unknown c[ua,lity. No matter how kind or, generous you
are to them, you cannot assure yourself of their affection.
Even amongst themselves, for a mere trifle, they would take
the life of their dearest friend, and consequently are in
constant dread of each other, while their enmity to the
White man is only kept in abeyance by fear. They will
smile and laugh in your face, and the next moment, if
opportunity offers, kiU you without remorse.
Kindness they construe into fear; and, had it not been
for the determination and firmness of the early settlers, they
would never have been allowed to occupy the country.
The tribe is numerous, and if they knew (and it is feared
they will eventually learn) their own power the present
White inhabitants could not keep them down, or for one
day retain their possessions.
They seem to take a delight in lying, especially if they
think it will please you. Should you ask them any ques-
tion, be prepared for a falsehood as a matter of course.
46 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
They not only lie to the White man, but to each other, and
do not appear to see any wrong in it.
Notwithstanding, however, what has been said of their
treachery, and however paradoxical it may appear, they
possess in an eminent degree the three great virtues of
hospitality, reverence to old age, and love for their children
and parents.
Should any stranger arrive at their camp, food is im-
mediately set before him.
The children are never beaten, and should any woman
violate this law she is in turn beaten by her husband.
Notwithstanding this tenderness for their remaining off-
spring, about thirty per cent, are murdered by their mothers
at their birth, simply for the reasons — firstly, that many
of them marrying very young their firstborn is considered
immature and not worth preserving; and secondly, because
they do not wish to be at the trouble of rearing them,
especially if weakly. Indeed, all sickly or deformed chil-
dren are made away with in fear of their becoming a
burthen to the tribe.
The children so destroyed are generally smothered in
sand, or have their brains dashed out by some weapon;
the men never interfering, or any of either sex regarding
infanticide as crime. Hardly an old woman, if questioned,
but will admit of having disposed in this manner of from
two to four of her offspring.
Their whole life is spent in bartering; they rarely
retain any article for long. The articles received by them
in exchange one day are bartered away the next, whether
at a profit or loss. Should any one of them, more shrewd
than another, profit on one occasion by this traffic, he is
sure immediately after to sacrifice his advantage, and the
majority of their quarrels are caused by bartering or
refusing to barter.
Their food is principally vegetable, animals being very
scarce, if we except rats and their species, and snakes and
other reptiles, of which there is an unlimited number.
MOUNT FREELING TO PIRIGtFNDI LAKE. 47
There are no kangaroo, and very few emu, the latter of
which is their favorite food; and occasionally, in very hot
weather, they secure one by running it down.
In a dry season they mainly subsist on ardoo, but in a
good season with plenty of rain they have an ample supply
of seeds, which they grind or pound, make into small
loaves, and bake in the ashes. They gather also then
plenty of plants, herbs, and roots, a description of which,
with their native names, appears in another place.
Their dogs, of which every camp has from six to twenty,
are generally a mangy lot, but the natives are very fond
of them, and take as much care of them as if they were
human. If a White man wants to offend the native, let him
beat his dog. I have seen women crying over a dog, when
bitten by snakes, as if over their own children.
The Dieyerie would as soon think of killing themselves
as their dogs, which are of great service to them, assisting
them to find snakes, rats, &c.
Animal food being very scanty, the natives subsist
chiefly on vegetable matter, so that, eating the flesh of any
animal they may procure, the dog, notwithstanding its
services and their affection for it, fares very badly, receiving
nothing but the bones. Hence the dog is always in very
low condition, and, consequently, peculiarly subject to the
diseases that affect the canine' race.
Their Tkaditions. — The Cebation.
In the beginning, say the Dieyerie, the Mooramoora
(Good Spirit) made a number of small black lizards (these
are still to be met with under dry bark), and being pleased
with them he promised they should have power over all
other creeping things.
The Mooramoora then divided their feet ' into toes and
fingers, and placing his forefinger on the centre of the face
created a nose, and so in like manner afterwards eyes, mouth,
and ears. The Spirit then placed one of them in a standing
position, which it could not, however, retain, whereupon the
48 THE AtrSTBALIAK RACE:
Deity cut off the tail, and the lizard walked erect. They
were then made male and female, so as to perpetuate the
race, and leave a tribe to dispute their ancestry with Darwin's
monkeys.
Men, women, or children do not vary in the slightest
degree in this account of their creation.
Creation of the Sun.
Their traditions suppose that man and all other beings
were created by the moon at the bidding of the Mooramoora.
Finding the emu pleasant to the sight, and judging it to
be eatable (but unable, owing to its swiftness, to catch it
during the cold that then prevailed), the Mooramoora was
appealed to to cast some heat on the earth so as to enable
them to run down the desired bird.
The Mooramoora, complying with their request, bade
them perform certain ceremonies (yet observed, but too
obscene to be described), and then created the sun.
MuEDOO. — (Subdivision of Tribe into Families.)
Murdoo means taste; but in its primary and larger
simplification implies family, founded on the following
tradition: —
After the creation, as previously related, fathers, mothers,
sisters, brothers, and others of the closest kin intermarried
promiscuously, until the evil effects of these alliances becom-
ing manifest, a council of the chiefs was assembled to con-
sider in what way they might be averted, the result of their
deKberations being a petition to the Mooramoora, in answer
to which he ordered that the tribe should be divided into
branches, and distinguished one from the other by different
names, after objects animate and inanimate, such as dogs,
mice, emu, rain, iguana, and so forth, the members of any
such branch not to intermarry, but with permission for one
branch to mingle with another. Thus the son of a dog
might not marry the daughter of a dog, but either might
MOUNT FREELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE. 49
form an alliance with a mouse, an emu, a rat, or other
family.
This custom is still observed, and the first question
asked of a stranger is "What Murdoo?" namely, of what
family are you.
PART II.
Councils; Treaty ; Mode of Reception; Armed Party; Lams.
Ceremonies — Hole in the Nose; Extraction of Teeth;
Circumcision; To Procure Harvest; To Invoke Peace;
Operation of Koolpie ; Funeral Rites; Death Spell;
Making of Rain ; Making Wild Fowl lay Eggs ;
Making Iguanas ; Superstition about Trees and
Iguanas; Remedy for Accidents ; Expedition for Red
Ochre; Diseases and Doctor; Cure for Wounds.
Councils.
Should any matter of moment have to be considered — such
as removing the camps, making of rain, marrying, circum-
cision, or what not — one of the old men moots the subject
late at night, before the camp retires to rest.
At dawn of the succeeding day, each question as proposed
by the old man is answered at once, or, should they wait
until he has finished, three or four speak together ; with
this exception, there being no interruptions, and stillness
prevailing in the camp.
At first they speak slowly and quietly, each sentence in
its delivery occupying three or four minutes, but generally
become excited before the conclusion of their speeches.
Treaty.
Should there be any misunderstanding between two
tribes, the women are sent to the other as ambassadors to
arrange the dispute, which they invariably succeed in doing,
when women from the other return the visit to- testify their
approval of the treaty arrived at.
50 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
The reason women are appointed in this capacity is that
they are free from clanger, while, should the men go, their
lives would be in peril.
Mode of Reception.
A native of influence, on arriving at one of the camps of
his own tribe, is usually received in the following manner: —
On approaching the camp, the inmates close in with
raised arms, as in defence ; upon this, the person of note
rushes at them, making a faint blow as if to strike them,
they warding it off with their shields; immediately after
they embrace him and lead him into the camp, where the
women shortly bring him food. Should any female relatives
to him be present they cry with joy.
If he visits a neighbouring tribe he is received in the
same manner as by his own.
A native of no influence or note, on returning after con-
siderable absence, takes his seat near the camp without
passing any remark.
After remaining a few minutes as if dumb, the old men
close round him, ask where he came from, and what befel
him, when he tells them plenty of news, not forgetting to
embellish. Then two old men stand up, one retailing it,
and the other repeating the sentences in an excited manner.
Upon this, as on all other occasions, the new comer is
hospitably received, plenty to eat being furnished him.
PiNYA. — (Armed Party.)
The armed band, entrusted with the office of executing
offenders (elsewhere referred to), is entitled Pinya, and
appointed as follows : —
A council is called of all the old men of the tribe: the
chief — a native of influence — selecting the men for the
Pinya, and directing when to proceed on their sanguinary
mission.
MOUNT PREELING TO MRIGUNDI LAKE. 51
The night prior to starting, the men composing the
Pinya, at about seven p.m., move out of the camp to a
distance of about three hundred yards, where they sit in a
circle, sticking their spears in the ground near them;
The women form an outer circle round the men, a
number of them bearing fire-sticks in their hands.
The chief opens the council by asking who caused the
death of their friend or relative, in reply to which the others
name several natives of their own or neighbouring tribes,
each attaching the crime to his bitterest enemy.
The chief, perceiving whom the majority would have
killed, calls out his name in a loud voice, when each man
grasps his spear.
The women who have fire-sticks lay them in a row,
and, while so placing them, call out the name of some
native, till one of them calls that of the man previously con-
demned, when all the men simultaneously spear the fire-stick
of the woman who has named the condemned.
Then the leader takes hold of the fire-stick, and, after one
of the old men has made a hole a few inches deep in the
ground with his hand, places the fire-stick in it, and covers
it up, all declaring that they will slay the condemned, and
see him buried like that stick.
After going through some practices, too beastly to narrate,
the women return to the camp.
The following morning, at sunrise, the Pinya attire them-
selves in a plaited band painted white (charpoo), and pro-
ceed on their journey until within a day's stage of the
place where they suppose the man they seek will be found,
and remain there during the day in fear they may be
observed by some straggling native.
At sunset they renew their journey until within a quarter
of a mile of their intended victim's camp, when two men
are sent out as spies to the camp to ascertain if he is there,
and, if possible, where he sleeps. After staying there about
two hours, they report what they have seen and heard.
52 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
Tke next thing done is the smearing of the Pinya with
white clay, so as to distinguish them from the enemy, in
case any of the latter should endeavour to escape.
They then march towards the camp at a time when they
think the inmates are asleep, from about midnight to two
a.m. ; and, when within one hundred yards of it, divide into
two parties, one going round on one side of the camp and
the second round on the other — forming a complete circle to
hinder escape.
The dogs begin to bark, and the women to whimper, not
daring to cry aloud for fear of the Pinya, who, as they invest
the camp, make a very melancholy grunting noise.
Then one or two walk up to the accused, telling him to
come out and they will protect him, which he, aware of the
custom, does not believe, yet he obeys, as he is powerless to
resist.
In the meanwhile, boughs are distributed by the Pinya to
all the men, women, and children, wherewith to make a
noise in shaking, so that friends and relatives of the con-
demned may not hear his groans while he is being executed.
The Pinya then kill the victim by spearing him and
striking him with the two-handed weapon, avoiding to strike
him below the hips, as they believe, were they to injure the
legs, they would be unable to return home.
The murder being consummated, they wait for daylight,
when the young men of the Pinya are ordered to lie down.
The old men then wash their weapons, and, getting all
the gore and flesh adhering to them off, mix it with some
water ; this agreeable draught being carried round by an
old man, who bestows a little upon each young man to
swallow, believing that thereby they will be inspired with
courage and strength for any Pinya they may afterwards
join.
The fat of the murdered man is cut off and wrapped
round the weapons of all the old men, which are then
covered with feathers.
They then make for home.
MOUNT PBBELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE. 53
Law of Muedee.
If two or more men fight, and one of the number should
be accidentally killed, he who caused his death must also
suffer it. But should the offender have an elder brother,
then he must die in his place, or, should he have no elder
brother, then his father must be his substitute ; but in case
he has no male relative to suffer for him, then he himself
must die. He is not allowed to defend himself, nor indeed
is he aware of when the sentence may be executed. He
knows the law.
On some night appointed, an armed party surround and
despatch him.
Two sticks, each of about six inches in length — one
representing the killed, and the other the executed — are
then buried, and upon no occasion is the circumstance after-
wards referred to.
Should a man of influence and well-connected, that is
have numerous relatives, die suddenly or after a long illness,
the tribe believe that he has been killed by some charm. A
secret council is held, and some unhappy innocent is accused
and condemned, and dealt with by the Pinya as previously
described.
Law of Felony, etc.
Should any native steal from another, and the offender
be known, he is challenged to fight by the person he has
robbed, and this settles the matter.
Should any native accuse another wrongfully, he is dealt
with in the same manner as for stealing.
Children are not punished on committing theft, but the
father or mother has to fight with the person from whom
the property was stolen, and upon no occasion, as stated
elsewhere, are the children beaten.
MooDLAWiLLPA. — (Holc in the Nose.)
This operation is inflicted on the boy or girl at the age
of from five to ten years.
54 THE AUSTRALIAN EACE:
The father generally proposes to the other denizens of
the camp to have his child's nose pierced, and one old man
is selected to perform the ceremony, which is usually done
at mid-day.
A piece of wood, six inches long, from a tree called
Cooyamurra (a species of acacia), is pointed at one end
sufficiently sharp to pierce the nose, the partition of which
the operator takes in his left hand, while he pierces it with
the right.
A few minutes before, and during the operation, the men
and women sing, believing that by singing a great deal of
the pain is taken away from the child.
The hole being made, a large quill, about a quarter of an
inch in diameter, is placed in it to prevent it from closing up,
and kept there until the wound is thoroughly healed.
The word Moodlawillpa is derived from moodla (nose),
and willpa (hole), hence, hole in the nose.
Chikeinchirkie. — (Extraction of the Teeth.)
From the age of eight to twelve years, the two front
teeth of the upper jaw are taken out in the following
manner: —
Two pieces of the Cooyamurra tree, each about a foot
long, are sharpened at one end to a wedge-Hke shape, then
placed on either side of the tooth to be extracted, and driven
between as tightly as possible. The sMn of a wallaby, in
two or three folds, is then placed on the tooth about to be
drawn, after which a stout piece of wood, about two feet
long, is applied to the wallaby skin, and struck with a heavy
stone, two blows of which is sufficient to loosen the tooth,
when it is pulled out by the hand. This operation is
repeated on the second tooth.
As soon as the teeth are drawn, a piece of damp clay is
placed on the holes whence they were extracted to stop the
bleeding.
The boy or girl (for this ceremony is performed indif-
ferently on either sex) is forbidden to look at any of the
MOUNT FREELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE. 55
men whose faces may be turned from them, but may look at
those in front of them, as it is thought that should the boy
or girl look towards the men while their backs are turned
from them the child's mouth would close up, and con-
sequently never allow them to eat thereafter.
For three days this prohibition is maintained, after
which it is removed.
The teeth drawn are placed in the centre of a bunch of
emu feathers, smeared with fat, and kept for about twelve
months, or some length of time, under the belief that if
thrown away the eaglehawk would cause larger ones to
grow in their place, turn up on the upper lip, and thus
cause death.
The Dieyerie, on being questioned, can assign no reason
for thus disfiguring their children than that when they
were created the Mooramoora* knocked out two front teeth
of the upper jaw of the first child, and, pleased at the sight,
commanded that such should be done to every male or
female child for ever after.
This ceremony has been witnessed by me on several
occasions, and, though it must be very painful, the boy or
girl never winces.
KuEEAWELLiE "WoNKANNA. — (Oircumcisiou.)
As soon as the hair on the boy's face makes its appear-
ance, a council of old men, not relatives to the boy, is held,
but no warning is given to him or his parents. Everything
is kept secret.
A woman, also not related to the boy, is then selected,
and her duty is to suspend a mussel shell round his neck.
Whereupon, some appointed night, just before the camp
retires to rest, ordinarily about nine p.m., she watches an
opportunity to speak to him, during which she contrives to
* Note. — Mooramoora is a Good Spirit, God, or Divine Being; and,
although they have no form of religious worship, they speak of the Moora-
moora with great reverence.
56 THE AUSTRAUAJSr RACE:
cast over tlie boy's liead a piece of twine, to which the shell
is attached by a hole drilled at one end. He, knowing the
meaning of this by having observed the same thing done to
other boys, immediately runs out of the camp.
The inhabitants of the camp, upon learning what has
happened, directly commence crying and shrieking at the
top of their voices.
The father and elder brothers at this become excited and
quarrelsome, demanding by what right the old men of the
camp seized their sons or brothers. However, after about
an hour's quarrelling (without fighting), they go to sleep as
if nothing had happened.
In the meanwhile the boy remains alone, camped by
himself, until the following day, when the young men (not
relatives) visit him, and take him away to other camps,
fifty or sometimes one hundred miles distant, for the
purpose of inviting other natives to the intended ceremony.
The lad, during the day, keeps aloof from the camps he
has been led to; at daybreak, before the camp arises, being
away hunting, and at night camped about four hundred
yards apart from the other natives.
During the boy's absence, his near relatives collect all
the hair off the heads of the men, women, and children, till
they are thoroughly shorn, spin it, and twist it into a fine
thread about the thickness of ordinary twine, in one con-
tinuous length, without break, of about five hundred yards.
This is made for the purpose of winding round the waist
of the lad after circumcision, when it is called Yinka.
On the day previous to that appointed for the ceremony,
at four p.m., all the old women of the camp are sent in
search of the boy, knowing where to find him, for, after
proceeding as before described a distance from his relatives,
occupying so long as a fortnight, he returns homeward, and
prepares the knowledge of his whereabouts by raising smoke
twice or thrice each day, which also indicates that he is
alive; they then bring him into the camp, when he is
directed to stand up for a few minutes until everything is
MOUNT FREELESTG TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE. 57
ready. (The natives never can prepare until the very last
moment, generally causing mucli confusion wlien tlie time
arrives for work.) The father and near relatives walk up to
the lad and embrace him, when immediately two or three
smart young men rush at the boy, place him on the back of
another man, all the men of the camp shouting at their
highest pitch thrice.
The boy is then taken about one hundred yards away
from the women, and covered up in skins, remaining so till
daybreak.
The father and relatives of the lad now renew their
quarrelling with those that ordered the shell to be suspended
to the neck of the boy, and a general fight ensues, all able-
bodied men joining in the fray, each helping his friend or
relative, until by the time the row is ended there are many
broken heads and bruised bodies — the women in the mean-
while crjring, shouting, screaming, hissing, and making
many other hideous sounds, like so many hyenas.
Subsequent to the suspension of hostilities, the men
keep up an incessant humming noise, or singing (not
dancing), and practising most horrible customs, until about
four a.m., when the women and children are ordered off to a
distance of four hundred yards from the camp, where they
remain beating a kind of wooden trough with their hands
once every minute (as in civilized communities beUs are
tolled for the dead), the men replying to the noise in like
manner, untU day dawns, when the beating ceases.
Immediately before the boy's circumcision, a young man
picks up a handful of sand, and sprinkles it as he runs,
round the camp, which is supposed to drive the devil out,
keeping only Mooramoora, the Good Spirit, in.
As soon as circumcision has taken place, the father
stoops over the boy, and, fancying himself inspired by
Mooramoora to give him a name other than that he pre-
viously had, re-names him, upon which he is taken away
by some young men, and kept away for three or four months
after, when he returns, virtually a man ; for though only a
58 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
lad in years, he is allowed tlie same privileges as a man in
consequence of being circumcised.
I have omitted to state that, in' the event of no father
living, his next-of-kin stands in place thereof.
Decency has compelled me to suppress the worst fea-
tures of the ceremony.
"WiLLTAKOO.^-(To procure a good Harvest; Supply of
Snakes, and other Reptiles.)
The next ceremony following circumcision is that now to
be described.
A young man, without previous warning, is taken out of
the camp by the old men, whereon the women set up
crying, and so continue for almost half the night.
On the succeeding morning, at sunrise, the men (young
and old), excepting his father and elder brothers, surround
him, directing him to close his eyes.
One of the old men then binds another old man round
his arm, near the shoulder, with string, pretty tightly, and
with a sharp piece of flint lances the main artery of the
arm, about an inch above the elbow, causing an instant flow
of blood, which is permitted to play on the young man until
his whole frame is covered with blood.*
As soon as the old man becomes exhausted from loss of
blood another is operated on, and so on, two or three others
in succession, until the young man becomes quite stiff
and sore from the great quantity of blood adhering to his
person.
The next stage in the ceremony is much worse for the
young man. He is told to lay with his face down, when
one or two young men ciit him on the neck and shoulders
* Note. — The reasons assigned for this barbarous practice are that
thereby courage is infused into the young man, and to show him that the
sight of blood is nothing; so that should he receive a wound in warfare, he
may account it a matter of no moment, but remark, bravely — -That he has
previously had blood running all over his body, therefore, why should he
feel faint or low-hearted.
MOUNT FREELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE. 59
with a sharp flint, about a sixteenth of an inch in depth, in
from six to twelve places, which incisions create scars,
which until death show that he has gone through the
Wniyaroo.
When tattooed, a piece of wood about nine inches long
by two and a half wide and about a sixteenth of an inch
thick, with a hole at one end, is attached to a piece of string
eight feet or so long, and this is called Yuntha, which he is
instructed to twirl when hunting, so the tribe may reap a
good harvest of reptiles, snakes, and other game, and every
night until his wounds are healed he must come within
four hundred yards of the camp (but no nearer), and twirl it
so as to acquaint his parents that he is alive, and they may
send him some food; and in the meanwhile he must look
upon no woman.
After perfect recovery, he returns to the camp, when
there is great rejoicing over the missing young man.
He remains there, however, only for a few days ; when,
accompanied by some of the tribe, he is sent away to visit
other camps for the purpose of receiving presents, such as a
a spear, boomerang, or other native weapon or curiosity.
This flying trip is called Yinninda.
On the night of his return, these presents he hands over
to those who operated on him, and a song, composed during
his absence, by a young woman selected for that purpose, is
sung by her, the men, women, and children dancing, and
this revel is maintained for about two hours.
MiNDARiB. — (Festival to invoke Peace.)
After enduring the ordeal of the Willyaroo, the next
ceremony the young man has to go through is that of the
Mindarie, which is held about once in two years, by this as
by other neighbouring tribes.
When there are sufficient young men in the tribe who
have not passed this ceremony, and each tribe being on
friendly terms with the others, a council is held, when time
and place are appointed in which to hold it — some three
60 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
months after it is determined on— to allow the hair to grow
sufficiently long to be dressed in the manner hereafter
described, and those young men whose hair, at the termina-
tion of this period, is not long enough cannot take part in
the ceremony.
Women are sent to the neighbouring tribes to invite
them to the ceremony, the preparations for which, in build-
ing wurleys, &c., occupies from six to seven weeks.
Every day witnesses fresh arrivals of men, women, and
children; and, as soon as the first native heaves in sight, the
Mindarie song is sung, to show the stranger that he is
hailed as a friend.
At length all having arrived, they wait on the full of the
moon, so as to have plenty of light during the ceremony,
which commences at sunset. In the meanwhile, at every
sunrise, and at intervals during the day, every man- in the
camp joins in the Mindarie song.
They then proceed to dress the young men who have
not gone through the ceremony previously.
First of all the hair of their heads is tied with string so
that it stands on end. Thippa (the tails of rats), are then
fastened to the top of the hair, the ends hanging down over
the shoulders. Feathers of the owl and emu are fastened
on the forehead and ears. A large yinka (previously de-
scribed), is wound round their waist, and in which, near the
spine, a bunch of emu feathers is worn, and the face is
painted red and black. By the time the young men are
dressed the sun has set.
All the men, women, and children now begin and
continue to shout with the full power of their lungs
for about ten minutes. They then separate, the women
going a little way from the camp to dance, while the
men proceed to a distance of 300 yards; the site selected
being a plain, generally of hard ground, which is neatly
swept.
A little boy, about four years of age, deputed to open
the ceremony, is tricked out all over with down from
MOUNT FREELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE. 61
the swan and duck, bearing a buncli of emu feathers on
his head, and having his face painted with red ochre and
white clay.
He dances into the ring, the young men following
him, and they followed by the old men.
They dance for about ten minutes, when the little boy
stops the dance by running off the dancing ground.
All the young men then re-commence, going through
many extraordinary evolutions, standing on their toes,
then on their heels, then on one leg, shaking their whole
frame at a rapid rate, and keeping accurate time, throw-
ing their hands in the air simultaneously, and clapping;
running one way as fast as they can go, they will suddenly
halt, renew the dance with hands and feet both in motion,
again run off, perhaps twenty abreast, and at the sound
of a certain word, as one man, drop one shoulder, and
then the other. Then they throw themselves down on
the ground, dance on their knees, again clap their hands,
and accompany these postures by shouting and singing
throughout the night without ceasing; the whole keeping
time as perfectly as a trained orchestra.
By sunrise, becoming tired, the ceremony is closed,
when they retire to rest, and sleep during the day.
The reason of holding this ceremony is to enable all
the tribes to assemble and renew peace, by making presents
to each other, and amicably settle any disputes that may
have arisen since the last Mindarie.
The natives are aU. pleased at this observance, and talk
of the event for many days after.
KOOLPIE.
So soon as the hair on the face of a young man is
sufficiently grown to admit the ends of the beard being
tied, the ceremony of the Koolpie is decided on.
A council of old men assemble, fix the site, and appoint
a day for the operation, on the morning of which he is
62 THE AUSTEALIAIf RACE:
invited out to hunt. The young man not suspecting
anything is, at a given signal, seized — one of the party
placing his hand on the young man's mouth, while others
remove the yinka (elsewhere described) from his body.
He is then directed to lie down, when a man is sta-.
tioned at each limb, and another kneels on his chest to
keep him steady.
The operation is then commenced by first laying his
penis on a piece of bark, when one of the party, provided
with a sharp flint, makes an incision underneath into its
passage, from the foreskin to its base.
This done, a piece of bark is then placed over the
wound, and tied so as to prevent it from closing up.
This concludes the operation, and the young man goes
away, accompanied by one or two others, and remains
away from the camp until such time as the wound is
thoroughly healed, when the bark may be removed.
Men who have passed through this ceremony are per-
mitted to appear in the camp, and before women, without
wearing anything to hide their person.
Funeral Eites. — CAiwiBALiSM.
When a man, woman, or child dies, no matter from
what cause, the big toe of each foot are tied together, and
the body enveloped in a net.
The grave is dug to about three feet, and the body is
carried thither on the heads of three or four men, and on
arrival is placed on its back for a few minutes. Then
three men kneel down near the grave, while some other
natives place the body on the heads of the kneehng men.
One of the old men (usually the nearest relative) now
takes two light rods, each about three feet long (these
are called coonya), and holds one in each hand, standing
about two yards from the corpse; then beating the coonya
together, he questions the corpse, in the belief that it can
understand him, inquiring how he died, who was the cause
MOUNT FEEELING TO PIEIGUNDI LAKE. 63
of his death, and the name of the man who killed him —
as even decease from natural causes they attribute to a
charm or spell exercised by some enemy.
The men sitting round act as interpreters for the de-
funct, and, according as the general opinion obtains, give
some fictitious name of a native of another tribe.
When the old man stops beating the eoonya, the men
and women commence crying, and the body is removed
from the heads of the bearers, and lowered into the grave,
into which a native (not related to the deceased) steps,
and proceeds to cut off all the fat adhering to the musdes
of the face, thighs, arms, and stomach, and passes it round
to be swallowed. The reason assigned for this horrible
practice being that thus the nearest relatives may forget
the departed, and not be continually crying.
The order in which they partake of their dead relatives
is this : —
The mother eats of her children.
The children eat of their mother.
Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law eat of each other.
Uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, grandchildren, grand-
fathers, and grandmothers eat of each other.
But the father does not eat of his offspring, or the
offspring of the sire.
After eating of the dead the men paint themselves with
charcoal and fat, marking a black ring round the mouth.
This distinguishing mark is called Munamuroomuroo. The
women do likewise, besides painting two white stripes on
their arms, which marks distinguish those who have par-
taken of the late deceased ; the other men smearing them-
selves all over with white clay, to testify their grief.
The grave is covered in with earth, and a large stack
of wood placed over it.
The first night after the burial the women dance round
the grave, crying and screaming incessantly till sunrise,
and so continue for a week or more.
64 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
Should the weather be cold when a native dies, fires are
lighted near the grave so that the deceased may warm himself,
and often they place food for him to eat.
Invariably after a death they shift their camp, and never
after speak of, or refer to, the defunct.
MooKOOELLiE DucKANA. — (Bone Strike, or Death SpeU.)
The words at the head of this chapter are derived from
Mookoo {hone) and Duchana {strike), the compound word
implying struck by a bone.
As no person is supposed, from whatever cause, to die a
natural death, but is conjectured to have been killed, either
by one of a neighbouring tribe or of his own, men, women,
and children are in constant terror of having offended some
one who may therefore bear them enmity.
Thus, so soon as a native becomes HI, a council is held
solely to ascertain who has given him the bone.
Should he remain a considerable time without a change,
or his malady increase, his wife if he has one, or if he has
not the wife of his nearest relative, is ordered to proceed to
the person who is supposed to have caused the sickne,ss. She
does so, accompanied by her paramour (whose relationship
is explained elsewhere), and on arrival immediately makes
a few presents to the person suspected of her relative's
illness, but makes no accusation against him, contenting
herself with simply stating that her relative is fallen HI and
is not expected to recover, whereupon he sympathizes with
her, and expresses a hope that the invalid will soon be well
He knows, however, perfectly well, though not accused,
that he is suspected of having caused the malady; and, on
the following morning, acquaints the woman that she can
return to her relative, as he would draw all power away from
the bone by steeping it in water. Accordingly the woman
carries back the joyful tidings that she has seen the party
who has the bone, and he has promised to take all the power
out of it.
MOUNT FREELING TO PIBIGUNDI LAKE. 65
Now, should the invalid happen to die, and be a person of
any influence, the man who acknowledged to having the bone
is murdered on the first opportunity.
Men threaten their wives (should they do anything
wrong) with the bone, causing such dread in their Arrives
that mostly, instead of having a salutary effect, it causes
them to hate their husbands.
This bone is not an ordinary one, but the small bone of
the human leg ; and one of every two of the natives is
charged with having one in his possession wherever he may
go ; but, in my own experience, I have never seen more than
a dozen, and those at one of their ceremonies ; as, for instance,
when the whole tribe desire to kill at a distance, say from
50 to 100 miles, some influential man of another tribe, they
order several of the old men to despoil the dead, that is, to
take the small leg-bones from many skeletons.
Of these, the relicts of their own tribe, they take from
three to eight, which they wrap in fat and emu feathers ; all
the most noted men of the tribe taking them and pointing
towards the place where their intended victim is supposed to
reside, while doing which they curse the man they desire to
kill, naming the death they would wish him.
All present are bound to secrecy, and the ceremony lasts
about an hour.
Should they learn, after a few weeks, that the man they
destine to destruction is still alive and hearty, they account
for it by supposing that some one of the tribe of the person
cursed had stopped the power of the bone.
So strongly are men, women, and children convinced of
the power of the bone, that no reasoning can shake their
belief.
I have frequently asked why they did not give a bone to
myself or any of the settlers, knowing that they mortally
hate all "White men, but they meet this by saying we are too
superior in knowledge, so that the bone would have no effect
on us.
VOL. II. E
66 the australian race:
The Making of Rain.
This is one of their grandest ceremonies.
When there is a drought or dry season, frequent in the
Dieyerie country, the natives hare a hard time of it. No
fresh herbs, no roots, nothing but ardoo have they to subsist
on. The parched earth yielding no grass, the emu, reptiles,
&c.., are so poor as to be nearly valueless for food ; it is,
therefore, easily perceived that to the natives rain is the
supremest blessing.
Believing they have the power of producing it, under the
inspiration of Mooramoora (the Good Spirit), they proceed as
follows : —
Women, generally accompanied by their paramours,* are
despatched to the various camps to assemble the natives
together at a given place. After the tribe is gathered, they
dig a hole, about two feet deep, twelve feet long, and from
eight to ten feet broad. Over this they build a hut, by placing
stiff logs about three feet apart, filling the spaces between
with slighter logs, the building being of conical form, as the
base of the erection is wider than its apex — then the stakes
are covered with boughs. This hut is only sufficiently large
to contain the old men; the young ones sit at the entrance or
outside.
This completed, the women are called to look at the hut,
which they approach from the rear, then dividing, some one
way and some the other, go round until they reach the
entrance — each looking inside, but passing no remark. They
then return to their camp, distant about 500 yards.
Two men, supposed to have received a special inspiration
from the Mooramoora, are selected for lancing, their arms
being bound tightly with string near the shoulders to hinder
too profuse an effusion of blood.
When this is done all the men huddle together, and an
old man, generally the most influential of the tribe, takes
* Each married -woman is permitted a paramour.
MOUNT FREELING TO PIRIGDNDI LAKE.. 67
a sharp flint and bleeds the two men inside the arm below
the elbow on one of the leading arteries, the blood being
made to flow on the men sitting around, during which the
two men throw handsful of down, some of which adheres to
the blood, the rest floating in the air.
This custom has in it a certain poetry, the blood being
supposed to symbolize the rain and the down the clouds.
During the preceding acts two large stones are placed in
the centre of the hut ; these stones representing gathering
clouds, presaging rain.
At this period the women are again called to visit the
hut and its inmates, but shortly after return to the camp.
The main part of the ceremony being now concluded, the
men who were bled carry the stones away for about fifteen
miles, and place them as high as they can in the largest tree
about.
In the meanwhile, the men remaining gather gypsum,
pound it fine, and throw it into a waterhole. This the Moo-
ramoora is supposed to see, and immediately he causes the
clouds to appear in the heavens.
■ Should they not show so soon as anticipated, they account
for it by saying that the Mooramoora is cross with them; and
should there be no rain for weeks or months after the cere-
mony they are ready with the usual explanation that some
other tribe has stopped their power.
The ceremony considered finished, there yet remains one
observance to be fulfilled. The men, young and old, encircle
the hut, bend their bodies, and charge, like so many rams,
with their heads against it, forcing thus an entrance, reap-
pearing on the other side, repeating this act, and continuing
at it until nought remains of their handiwork but the heavy
logs, too solid even for their thick heads to encounter. Their
hands and arms must not be used at this stage of the per-
formance, but afterwards they employ them by pulling simul-
taneously at the bottom of the logs, which thus drawn out-
wards causes the top of the hut to fall in, so making it a
total wreck.
E 2
68 THE AUSTEALIAiSr RACE:
The piercing of the hut with their heads symbolizes the
piercing of the clouds; the fall of the hut the fall of rain.
The Making the Wild-Fowl lay Eggs.
After heavy rains, the smaller lakes, lagoons, and swamps
are generally filled with fresh water, attracting flocks of wild-
fowl ; and the natives go through a horrible ceremony, with-
out which they believe the birds would not lay.
On a fine day, after the rains, all the able-bodied men sit
in a circle, each having a bone from the leg of a kangaroo,*
sharpened at one end, when the old men commence singing,
and the others pierce their scrotum several times. This must
be very painful, yet they show no sense of it. They are
generally laid up for two or three weeks, unable to walk.
While thus torturing themselves the women are crying. At
this ceremony a song is sung, but it is too obscene to be
translated here.
It is useless to argue with them on the absurdity of this
custom; for all answer, they say it is impossible for White
men to know their power.
The Making of Iguanas. — (Kaupirrie Wima.)
Whenever it is a bad season for iguanas (Koppirries), one
of the principal articles of their food, some of the natives
proceed to make them. The ceremony is not observed by the
Dieyerie, but as they are invariably invited and attend,
I think it proper to describe it.
On a day appointed, they sit in a circle, when the old men
take a few bones of the leg of an emu, about nine inches long,
and sharpened at both ends.
Each old man then sings a song, while doing so piercing
his ears, first one and then the other, several times, regardless
of the pain, if not insensible to it.
* It is said elsewhere that there are no kangaroo in the Dieyerie country,
but it must be remembered that in their expeditions for red ochre they travel
over the lands of other tribes where the kangaroo can be procured.
MOUNT FRBELESTG TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE. 69
I add the song, whicli is not in the Dieyerie dialect, and
a translation of it : —
THE IGUAl^A SONG.
Pa-pa-pa. Kirra-a. Lulpara^na.
Mooloo Kurla parcha-ra. Willyoo lana
Mathapootana murara Thidua-ra Mindieindie
Kurtaworie-worietMea-a.
Translation.
With a boomerang we gather all the iguanas from the
flats and plains, and drive them to the sandholes, then sur-
round them, that all the male and female iguanas may come
together and increase.
Should there be a few more iguanas after the ceremony
than before, the natives boast of having produced them, but
if they are as scarce as previously they have their customary
excuse that some other tribe took away their power.
SUPEESTITIONS ON THE IgUANA.
The iguana is supposed to be a conductor of lightning,
and during a thunderstorm all these reptiles are buried in
the sand. And should any native become grey or have much
hair on its breast when young, it is supposed to be caused
by eating them when children.
Superstition on Trees.
There are places covered by trees held very sacred, the
larger ones being supposed to be the remains of their fathers
metamorphosed.
The natives never hew them ; and should the settlers
require to cut them down, they earnestly protest against it,
asserting they would have no luck, and themselves might be
punished for not protecting their ancestors.
Eemedt foe Accident or Eidichle.
Should a child meet with any accident, all its relatives
immediately get struck on the head with a stick or boomerang
until the blood flows down their faces ; such surgical opera-
tion being presumed to ease the child's pain.
70 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE: ■
In like manner, should any man or woman, by doing
anytMng awkwardly, provoke laughter, he or she requests
one of the men or women to hit him or her on the head till
the blood trickles down the face, when the person thus
relieved commences laughing, and appears to enjoy the
joke as keenly as the rest.
Indesceibable Customs.
That of causing a pleptiful supply of wild dogs, that of
creating a plenty of snakes, that of giving strength to young
men, and some other customs, are altogether so obscene and
disgusting, I must, even at the risk of leaving my subject
incomplete, pass over by only thus briefly referring to them.
BooKATOO. — (Expedition for Red Ochre.)
Every winter, in July or August, a council of all the old
men is held, relative to the starting of an expedition for red
ochre, to a place called Burratchunna Creek (west of the
Blinman township), where there is a large mine of it.
Old and young men are selected, a day fixed, and a leader
appointed to take command; all being kept secret from the
women, in fear they would persuade their husbands not to
leave.
On the day the party must start, the old men rise with
the sun, and grasping their weapons and singing promptly
depart without leave taking or farewell to their wives and
children.
The women, then conscious of the men's intentions,
commence screaming, screeching, yelling, hooting, hissing,
and making all kinds of hideous and uncouth sounds,
calling on their husbands, sons, brothers, and friends to
remain, and not to be led into a strange and hostile country ;
they, unheeding, proceeding on their way for about five
hundred yards, for the purpose of arranging with the old
men who are left behind to build wurleys (Bookatoo
Oorannie) for the reception of the party when it returns.
The site being selected, and instructions given to build
MOUNT FREELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE. 71
substantial huts, farewell is taken, the expedition singing
a rather mournful ditty, encouraging the young lads to
keep up their spirits ; and indeed some of them require
encouragement, knowing that besides having to travel over
three hundred mUes through strange country, many a
hungry belly they wiU have before reaching their destina-
tion, independent of the load of ochre they will have to
carry back.
The party travels about twenty miles a day, and on
arrival at the mine each member of it digs out his own
ochre, mixes it with water, making it into loaves of about
20 lbs weight, which are dried.*
Each man carries an average weight of 70 lbs. of ochre,
invariably on the head,t and has to procure his own food;
the party seldom resting a day while on the journey, which
lasts usually from six or eight weeks, until within one
day's stage of their camp — the Bookatoo Oorannie.
On the return route, they barter with the tribes they
pass, giving weapons for old clothes.
Leaving for a while the returning party within one stage
of the Bookatoo Oorannie, I will state what has been done
in their absence by those who had to prepare those wurleys,
(which built) a space of about one hundred yards around
them is cleared and swept.
During these preparations, every morning the women
are ordered away to a short distance, and not allowed to
return until sunset, and during their absence they collect
seed, which is stored against the return of the expedition.
The men of the camp keep up a continuous singing
during the whole day and night, making, from the native
cotton-bush, sugarloaf-shaped bags, about eighteen inches
in length, and large enough at the orifice to admit the
head; these being intended for the Bookatoo men on their
return.
* Just after collecting the ochre, having all the hair of their faces
plucked out (not cut or burnt off).
t The men carry their loads on their heads,
72 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
During the making of the bags the following song is
sung, of which herewith I give the original, with a free
translation : —
Mulka-a-a-a — wora-a-a,
Yoong-arra-a-a Oondoo-o-o,
Ya PUlie-e-e-e Mulka-a-a-a angienie
Kooriekirraf-a;-a-ya-a/-a-ya.
Translation.
Put colors in the bags,
Close it all round,
And make the netted bag
All the colors of the rainbow.
The women are supposed never to have heard this song,
which is kept secret from them, and they fear that they
would be strangled by the men should they ever overhear it.
I now return to the ochre party, who, having for fear of
hostile tribes made their way home only resting at night,
are now within two hundred yards of the camp prepared
for them.
They drop on their hands and knees, so as not to awaken
its inhabitants, who they desire to take by surprise, which
they do when within a few yards distance by loud yelling
and clapping their hands, and dancing two or three times
round the Bookatoo Oorannie, after which they retire a
little way.
The men of the camp then rush out to ascertain whether,
all of the party have arrived safe — women crying, children
screaming, dogs fighting, altogether make up a discord
language is unequal to describe. Now the sugarloaf bags
are placed on the heads of the adventurers, the women
prepare food for them, and dancing is kept up during the
whole of the night until sunrise, when the ceremony is
over, and until when the women are not allowed to speak
to their husbands or relatives.
Afterwards, days are spent by the members of the
expedition in recounting anecdotes and incidents of their
travel.
mount prbeling to pirigundi lake. 73
Diseases.
Wittcha. — This disease is, I think, the itch. The
symptoms are innumerable small pimples all over the body,
causing considerable irritation, only to be temporarily
allayed by rubbing the parts affected with a sharp instru-
ment or stone, the hand alone being insufi&cient to afford
relief.
It is very contagious, spreading from one person
throughout the camp, and is probably caused by general
want of cleanliness, and allowing mangy dogs to lie with
them. They are subject to this disease once a year.
Mirra. — A disease which every native has once in his
life, sometimes at three years of age, but mor'e frequently at
fourteen or thereabouts. The symptoms are large blind
boils under the arms, in the groin, on the breasts or
thighs, varying in size from a hen's egg to that of an
emu's egg. It endures for months, and in some instances
for years, before finally eradicated.
During its presence the patient is generally so enfeebled
as to be unable to procure food, and, in fact, is totally
helpless.
It is not contagious, and is, I surmise, peculiar to the
natives, whose only remedy is the application of hot ashes
to the parts affected.
Mooramoora. — Unquestionably small-pox, to which the
natives were subject evidently before coming into contact
with Europeans, as many old men and women are pock-
marked in the face and body.
They state that a great number have been carried off
by this disease, and I have been shown, on the top of a
sandhill, seventy-four graves, which are said to be those of
men, women, and children, carried off by this fell disorder.
The Doctoe — (Koonkie).
The Koonkie is a native, who has seen the devil when
a child (the devil is called Kootchie), and is supposed to
have received power from him to heal all sick.
74 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
The way in which a man or woman becomes a doctor is,
that if when young they have had the nightmare, or an
unpleasant dream, and relate this to the camp, the inmates
come to the conclusion that he or she has seen the devil.
The males never practise until after circumcision, and, in
fact, are not deemed proficient till out of their teens.
Whenever a person falls ill, the Koonkie is requested to
examine and cure him.
The Koonkie walks up to the invalid, feels the parts
affected, and then commences rubbing them until he fancies
he has got hold of something, when he sucks the parts for a
minute or two^, and then goes out of the camp a few yards.
He now picks up a piece of wood, about one or two inches
long, and returns to the camp, where, procuring a red hot
coal, he rubs it in his hands to make them hot, and then
feels the disordered parts again, and after a little manoeu-
vring produces the stick which he had concealed in his hand,
as if extracted from the patient's body, to the great surprise
of all the natives, who conclude that this was the cause of
the complaint.
The Koonkie is requested to try again, when he goes out
a second time in a very solemn manner (the natives all look-
ing at him with wonder), blows twice or thrice, returns, goes
through the same performance as before, and then produces
a long piece of twine, or a piece of charcoal, of course from
the part affected.
This imposter won't confess to his trickery, and, indeed,
from constant practice, at last deludes himself into a belief
of his skilful surgery, which all the other natives have im-
plicit faith in. And, indeed, the force of imagination is so
strong in some cases, that I have seen a native quite ill, and
actually cry for the Koonkie, who, after his humbugging,
appeared quite recovered.
Should the Koonkie fail in his effort to relieve the sick,
he is prepared with a ready excuse — some Koonkie of another
tribe, possessing more skill, has stopped his power.
MOUNT FREELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE. 75
When a KoonMe is ill he calls in the aid of another
Koonkie to cure him.
As I have said elsewhere, no person is presumed to
become ill naturally. The Kootchie (devil), or some native,
has bewitched him.
Cure of Disease or Wotinds.
Sores, cuts, bruises, pain, and disease of all kinds, no
matter how arising, are treated in one of two modes — if slight,
by the application of dirt to the part affected ; if severe, by
that of hot ashes.
In cases of any kind of sting, leaves of bushes, heated at
the fire, are applied to the part stung, as hot as the patient
can bear it, and the smart almost immediately disappears.
PART III.
Catalogue of Animals, fc. — Eats and their Congeners; Rep-
tiles; Birds; Fish; Vegetables; Insects; Manufacturing
Products; Weapons; and Personal Adornments.
Rats add theie Congbneks. (All eaten by them.)
Kaunoonka -
- Bush wallaby.
Wurtarrie
- Kangaroo-rat.
Capietha
- Native rabbit.
Miaroo -
- Rat.
Poontha
- Mouse.
Arutchie
- Native ferret.
Cowirrie
- Rat (I don't know the species).
ThillamlUarie
- A species of ferret.
Pulyara
- Long-snouted rat.
Koolchie
- Species of rat.
Koonappoo -
- Species of mouse.
Kulkuna
- Species of wallaby (very swift).
Kooraltha
- Spotted ferret.
Kulunda
- White and black rat (similar to the house rat),
Tickawara -
- Native cat.
Reptiles. (Those not eaten marked thus *.)
Kunnie - - - Jew lizard.
Kopirrie - - • - Iguana.
Patharamooroo - - Black iguana (I have only seen three; they are very
scarce).
76
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
Choopa -
Kudieworoo -
Wakurrie
* Womaloora -
*Thitthurie -
Moonkamoonkarilla
Oolaumi
*Kulohandarra
Woma - - . -
Thoona-
Wondaroo -
Woonkoo
Wirrawirrala
Wipparoo
Marrakilla -
Mithindie -
Koolielawirrawirra
Mulkunkoora
Thandandiewindiewindie
Knrawulieyackayackuna
Kulathirrie -
Thidnamura -
Pinchiepinohiedara
A slender lizard, about 3 in. long.
Red-backed lizard, about 3 in. long.
Flat-headed lizard, about 3 in. long.
Smooth-skinned lizard, about 5 in. long.
Small rough-skinned lizard, about 4 in. long.
Small black lizard, with short taU; generally found
under the bark of trees.
Lizard, transparent skin, spotted yellow and black,
about 5 in. long.
Species of lizard, flat head, scaly back, about 4 in.
long; lives under the ground, and only appears
above after heavy rains. The natives describe
it as venomous, and affirm its bite is certaia
death, wherefore they are very frightened of it,
and even avoid killing it from fear of its poison-
ing their weapons.
Carpet snake, from 5 to 12 ft. long, large body; its
bite not venomous.
Grey snake, generally about 5 ft. long; venomous.
Green and yellow snake, very thick body, about
5 ft. long, quite harmless, and has a sleepy ap-
pearance.
Light brown and grey snake, from 4 to 7 ft. long;
venomous, and very vicious.
Large brown snake, with yellow belly, from 6 to
10 ft. long; very venomous.
Long thin snake, black, shaded with other dark
colours, about 7 ft. long; very venomous, its bite
causing instant death, so the natives are very
cautious in killing it.
Large brown snake, about 7 ft. long, has a large
head ; is very venomous and vicious.
White and yellow spotted snake, small thin body,
about 3 ft. long ; harmless.
Small yellow and black spotted snake, about 3 ft.
long ; harmless.
Black and green spotted snake, 5 ft. long; venomous.
Small black snake, small mouth, about 5 ft. 6 in.;
venomous.
Plat-headed snake, green back, yellow spots on
belly, about 4 ft. long ; venomous.
Frog.
Toad.
Bat.
MOUNT FREELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE.
77
Kunienundruna -
Thirriethirrie
Thoaroopathandrunie
Milkieworie -
Pittiekilkadie
Kirrkie-
Kookoongka -
Windtha
Wurchie-WTirchie -
KillawoloowoUoorka
Moonyie
Killunkilla -
Kooranyawillawilla
Poolunka
Cathathara -
Willaroo
Moodlubra -
Mumpie
Woparoo
Koorookookoo
Mulliepirrpaoonga
Choonda
Thindriethindrie -
Thiewillagie -
Mulyamulyayapunie
Poothoopoothooka
Koorabaukoola
Ooroo -
Culiemulyandurie -
Moolpa -
Chooieohooie-
Dickadickulyerra -
Mootoomootoo
Thanpathanpa
Tharalkoo ■
Thowla
Kockadooroo
Chipala-
Koodnapina -
Thookabie -
Doolpadoolpaioo
KUkie -
BiEDS. (All eaten by them.)
- The largest hawk excepting eaglehawk.
- Small speckled hawk.
- White hawk.
- Large grey hawk.
- Speckled hawk.
- Whistling hawk (very swift).
- Kite.
- Grey owl.
- White owl.
- Dark-brown owl.
- Mopawk.
- Red-breasted cockatoo.
- Cockatoo parrot.
- Parrot.
- Shell parrot.
- Curlew.
- Pigeon.
- Bronzewing pigeon.
- Flock pigeon.
- Dove.
- Quail.
- Red-breasted robin.
- Shepherd's companion (a species of wagtail).
- Small species of lark.
- Swallow.
- Sparrow.
- Magpie.
Waders.
- Nankeen-colored crane.
- Black and white crane.
- White crane.
- Snipe.
- Species of snipe.
- Species of snipe.
- Slate-colored snipe.
Water Fowl.
- Teal.
- Spoonbill duck.
- Mountain duck.
- Whistling duck.
- Brown duck, with red beak.
- Diver.
- Black diver.
- Water hen.
78
THE AUSTRALIAN EACE :
Muroomuroo-
Wathawirrie-
Muloora
Boorkoopiya -
Kirrpiyirrka -
Black water hen.
Species of water hen.
Cormorant.
Long-beaked cormorant.
Gull.
Fish and other Freshwater Habitants
Are few and unimportant, being caught in the waterholes and lakelets,
which can only be called creeks or rivers when the floods come down,
the last of which occurred in 1864.
Paroo - - - - A small bony flat fish.
Multhoomulthoo - - A fish weighing from 3 to SJ lbs.
Moodlakoopa - - A fish averaging 4 lbs.
Koorie - - - - Mussel.
Thiltharie -
Murunkura -
Kooniekoonierilla -
Kuniekoondie
Pitchula
Pindrie
Purdie -
Pittaboobaritchana
Insects.
- Centipede (sometimes 7 in. long — its bite is venom-
ous).
- Tarantula.
- Black spider.
- Scorpion.
- Species of spider.
- Grasshopper or locust.
- Grub, caterpillar.*
- Sandfly.
Vegetables, Roots, Herbs, Fbtjit, Seed, etc. (Eaten by the
Yowa -
Winkara
Munyaroo
Kunaurra
Ardoo -
Cobboboo
Wodaroo
Natives.)
- Rather larger than a pea, found 3 in. deep in the
ground.
- A very starchy root, about 5 in. long.
- A plant much eaten.
- The seed of the Munyaroo, used when ground into
meal between two stones.
- (Often described in newspapers and by writers as
Nardoo.) A very hard seed, a flat oval of about,
the size of a split pea; it is crushed or pounded,
and the husk winnowed. In bad seasons this is
the mainstay of the natives' sustenance, but it Is
the worst food possible, possessing very little
nourishment, and being difficult to digest.
- A nut found on the box-tree, on breaking which
it discloses a grub ; this is probably a gall.
- A thin, long root, obtainable only where the soil is
rich and covered with turf. This is one of the
best vegetables the natives possess, sweet and
mealy.
MOUNT FREELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE.
79
Coonchirrie - - - The seed from a species of acacia, ground and
made into small loavea.
Patharapowa - - The seed of the box-tree, ground and made into
loaves.
Caulyoo - - - The seed of the prickly acacia, pounded and made
into loaves.
Wodlaooroo - - - "Very fine seed taken from the silver grass, grow-
ing in the creeks.
Wirrathandra - - Seed of an acacia.
Mulkathaudra - - Seed of the mulga tree.
Yoongundie - - Black fine seed, taken from a plant similar to
clover.
- Native cotton-bush. When the leaves sprout and
become quite green the natives gather and cook
them, and at seed time they pluck and eat the
pods.
- Indigenous clover; when young, cooked by the
natives, and eaten in large quantities.
- A small watery plant.
- The native fig.
- The native gooseberry.
- The native blackberry.
- The native pear.
- The native orange.
Mootoha
Kuloomba ■
Willapie
Yoolantie
Bookabooda ■
Mundawora
Thoopara
Vegetable Productions Used in Manufacturing.
Mindrie - - - A large root, from the outside of which is obtained
a kind of resin, which, when prepared at the
fire and afterwards allowed to dry, becomes
very hard and tough, called "kundrie," and is
used in fastening a flint to a short stick called
" kundriemookoo. "
Mootcha - - - The stems of this bush (the pods and leaves of
which afford food) when dry are pounded into
a fine fibre, then teased and spun, after which it
is made into bags, which are very nicely done,
and occupy many days in their production.
Weapons and Implements.
Murawirrie - - - Two-handed boomerang, from 6 to 14 ft. long and
4 in. broad.
Kundriemookoo - ■ Of semicircular shape, 2 ft. 6 in. long, to one end
of which is attached by resin a flint, forming a
kind of axe or tool used in making weapons.
80 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
Wona - - - - A short thick stick, about 3 ft. long, used by
women who do not carry the shield, spear, or
boomerang.
Yootohoowonda - - A piece of flint about 3 in. long, with an edge like
a razor, and at the blunt end covered with resin;
this is concealed in the palm of the hand when
fighting, and is capable of inflicting a wound
like one made with a butcher's knife.
Pirrauma - - - A shield, oval-shaped, of solid wood, from 1 ft. to
3 ft. long, and from 6 in. to 1 ft. wide.
Personal Ornaments.
Kultrakultra - - Necklace made from reeds strung on woven hair,
and suspended round the neck.
Yinka - - - - A string of human hair, ordinarily 300 yards in
length, and wound round the waist. This orna-
ment is greatly prized, owing to the difficulty of
procuring the material of which it is made.
Mundamunda - - A string made from the native cotton-tree, about
two or three hundred yards long; this is worn
round the waist, and adorned by different
colored strings wound round at right angles.
These are worn by the women, and are very
neatly made.
Kootcha - - - Bunch of hawk's, crow's, or eagle's feathers, neatly
tied with the sinews of the emu or wallaby, and
cured in hot ashes. This is worn either when
fighting or dancing, and also used as a fan.
Wurtawurta- - - A bunch of the black feathers of the emu, tied
together with the sinews of the same bird; worn
in the yinka (girdle) near the waist.
Chanpoo - - - A band of about 6 in. long by 2 in. broad, made from
the stems of the cotton-bush, painted white, and
worn round the forehead.
Koorie - - - - A large mussel shell pierced with a hole, and at-
tached to the end of the beard or suspended
from the neck; also used in circumcision.
Oonamunda - - - About 10 ft. of string, made from the native cotton-
bush, and worn round the arm.
Oorapathera - - - A bunch of leaves tied at the feet, and worn when
dancing, causing a peculiar noise.
Unpa - A bunch of tassels, made from the fur of rata and
wallaby, worn by the natives to cover their
private parts. They are in length 6 in. to 3 ft.
long.
MOUNT PREELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE. 81
Thippa ... - Used for the same purpose as Unpa. A bunch of
tassels made from tails of the native rabbit,
and, when washed in damp sand, is very pretty,
being white as the driven snow. It takes about
fifty tails to make an ordinary Thippa, but I
have seen some consisting of 350.
Aroo . . - - The large feathers from the tail of the emu, used
only as a fan.
Wurda Wurda - - A circlet or coronet of emu feathers, worn only by
the old men.
PiUie . - - . Netted bag, made from the stems of the cotton-
bush and rushes, with meshes similar to our
fishing net.
Wondaroo - - -A closely-netted bag, made from the fibre of the
cotton-bush.
Pirra - - - A trough-like water vessel.
Mintie . - - - Fishing net, made from rushes, usually 60 ft. long
by 3 ft. wide.
PART IV.
The Dieyerie Dialect ; Key to Pronunciation ; Examples of
the Constmction of the Language; System of Notation;
Astronomical Terms; List of Names distinguishing Age
or Relationship ; The Ten Commandments; Parts of
the Human Frame; Vocabulary.
Tlie Dieyerie dialect, although, of limited construction,
yet has certain rules not oftener departed from than the
languages of a more civilized people. Each word invariably
terminates with a vowel ; and so accustomed are the 'Dieyerie
to this form that, in acquiring foreign words terminating in
a consonant, they always add vowels, as thus : — Bullock
becomes bulakoo ; hat, hata ; dog, doga ; and so on.
Besides the spoken language, they have a copious one of
signs — all animals, native man or woman, the heavens, earth,
walking, riding, jumping, flying, swimming, eating, drinking,
and hundreds of other objects or actions have each their
particular sign, so that a conversation may be sustained
without the utterance of a single word.
This dumb language, of which I possess a thorough know-
ledge, cannot, however, be described in words. A special
82
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
feature in their language is that of distinguishing each other
in their relationship, by which their names become trans-
muted in a variety of ways — at certain ages, on their being
married, and after undergoing certain ceremonies — examples
of which are here given.
Their system of notation, which is described further on, is
excessively restricted, as is also their knowledge of astron-
omy, with which they have, nevertheless, an acquaintance.
The Dieyerie language extends far beyond the limit of
their own possessions, being understood, though not spoken,
by the surrounding tribes.
The alphabet used by me in the vocabulary consists of
eighteen letters only, the Dieyerie dialect possessing no
equivalent for our F, J, Q, S, V, X, Z, while K answers in
every respect for 0, excepting where it precedes the letter H,
Key to Pbonunoiation".
A, as in Hand, hat, fat, band.
B, ,, Bauble, bible, bride.
D, ,, Deed, did, deadly.
B, ,, Treat, tact, tart.
G, ,, Gag, gurgle (never as giant,
page, rage).
H, „ Hay, heavy, hearty.
J, ,, Light, bright. '
K, ,, Kernel, keep, kick, key.
L, ,, Lilt, laurel.
M, ,, Mama, marmalade.
N, ,, Nothing, none, noon.
0, ,, Ormolu, ostracize, olive.
P, as in Pope, puppet, pipe.
R, „ Rare, rich, rather.
T, „ Teat, tint, threat.
U, „ Cur, fur.
W, ,, Wake, walk, weak.
Y, ,, Youth, yonder.
Au, as in Caught, taught.
Ch (tsch). Child, church, chatter,
le, as in Yield, thief, brief.
Oo, ,, Moon, soon, balloon.
Ou, ,, Cow, now, how, brow.
Th, „ Teeth, truth, this, that.
A List of Words
Principally, and in some cases only, showing the construction of the
language used with others, and then usually terminating them. Ex-
amples follow —
Alie — Us. Aumpoo — Almost.
Alyie— Pew. Auni— Will, shall.
Ami— To.
Ana^ing. Backa— Same as.
Anie— Me, my. Bootoo— With.
Arrie— Same as. Buckuna— Also.
Athie— Do it. Butha— Not.
MOUNT FREELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE.
83
Champuna — Always.
Elie— To, of.
Goo — To yours, of yours.
Janna — We.
Jannanie — Ours.
Kaunohie — Certain, sure.
Launi — Will, shall.
Marow — Do it (imperative).
Moonthalie — Ourselves.
Moonthoo — Most.
Moolaroo — Great, very.
MuUauna — Together, each other.
Mundroola — Only two.
Murla — More.
Murra — Fresh, new.
Mutcha — Enough.
Mi— To.
Nandroya — She.
Naniea — Her.
Nankanie — Hers.
Ninua — The, thee, that, it.
Ninniea — This.
Nie — ^My, mine.
Noaliea — He.
Nooloo — Him,
Noonkanie — His.
Nowieya — There.
Ori-rDid, has, have.
Parohuna — All.
Pilkie — Not relating to.
Pilkildra — Something else.
Pina — Great, very.
Pothoo — Only.
Pulpa — Others.
Punie — ^None, no one.
Thanar-They.
Thananie — Theirs.
Thaniya — Them, those.
Tharkuna — Incline.
Thulka — Relating to.
Thuruna — Together.
Uldra— We.
Una — ing, ed.
Undroo — Together.
Wadarie — ^Where, which.
Wakawaka i
Wakamoothoo J
War ana — Who.
Whi— What.
Windrie — Only .
Wirrie — Of them, to them.
Wodow — ^What, how.
Wonthie — Had.
Wulya — Soon.
Wulyaloo — Soon after.
Wumie — Whose.
Wurra — Of them, to them,
Wurroonga — Whom .
Yankiea — Many.
Yinkanie — Theirs, yours.
Yondroo — Thou.
Yoora — Ye, few.
A — Koornoo.
All — Parchuna.
Also — Bukuna.
Almost — Aumpoo bumpoo.
Always — Champuna.
Certain — Kaunohie.
Enough — Mutcha.
Each other — Mulluna.
Few — Alyie, yoora.
Fresh — Murra.
Has or have — Ori.
Had — Wonthie.
He— Nooliea.
Him — ^Nooloo.
His — Noonkanie.
Her — Naniea.
Hers — Nankanie.
How — Wodow.
F 2
84
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
Incline — Tharkuna.
It — Ninna.
Least — Wakawaka, wakamoothoo.
Me — Anie.
Mine, my — Nie.
Many — Yankiea.
More — Murla.
None, no one — Punie.
Not— Butha.
New — Murra.
Not relating to — Pilkie.
Only — Pothoo, wiri.
Only two — Mundroola.
Others — Pulpa.
Of— Elie, thulka. .
Of them — Wirrie, wurra.
Ours — Jannanie.
Ourselves — Moonthalie.
Relating to — Undroo.
She — ^Nundroya.
Sure — Kaunchie.
Soon — ^Wulya.
Soon after — Wulyaloo.
Same as — Arrie, backa.
Self— Moontha.
Something else — Pilkildra.
The — Ninna.
Thee — ^Ninna.
Theirs — Thananie.
Them, those — Thaniya, Goondroo.
They— Thana.
That — Ninna.
This — Ninna, ninniea.
Their — Yinkanie.
To — Elie, thulka, goo, ami, mi.
To them — ^Wirie wurra.
Together — Mullauna, thurana.
There — ^Nowieya.
Us- Alie.
Very — Marpoo, moolaroo, piaa.
With— Boothoo.
We — Jannana, uldra.
Will — Launi or Auni.
Where, which — Wadarie.
Who — Warana.
Whose — Wurnie.
Whom — ^Wuronga.
What — Whi, wodow.
Ye — ^Yoora.
Yours — Yinkanie.
Examples.
(-Moonthalie, ourselves. Moontha, self — Alie, us.
Alie, us - - -| Mooalie, hungry, Moa, hunger — Alie, us.
I Mookalie, sleepy. Mooka, sleep — AUe, us.
rTannanie, ours. Tanna, we — Anie, me.
Anie, me, my - -! Apinie, my father. Appirie, father — ^Nie, my.
V Uldranie, of ua. Uldra, we — Nie, us.
Bootoo, with — Kintaloobootoo, with a dog. Kintalo, dog — Boothoo,
with.
Butha, not — Yoothabuta, not lucky. Yootha, luck — Butha, not.
Bumpoo, almost — Bumpoonundra, almost a blow. Nundra, blow —
Bumpoo, almost.
r Baukoelie, of nothing. . Baukoo, nothing — Elie, of,
Elie, of - - -! Bootchooelie, of the blind. Bootchoo, blind— Elie,
I of the.
Goo, of or to— Yinkanigoo, of or to yours. Yinkani, yours — Goo, of
or to.
MOUNT FRBELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE. 85
(Kooriekauncliie, thief for certain. Koorielie,
stealing.
Yadinakauuohie, liar for certain. Yadiena, lying.
Yapakaunchie, fear for certain. Yapa, fear.
Koomoo, one — Pothookoornoo, only one — Koomoo, one. Pothoo, only.
r Oomoomurla, better. Omoo, good — Murla, more.
Murla, more - -j Wordoomurla, shorter. - Wordoo, short — Murla,
V more.
Moothoo, most — Wordoomoothoo, moat short. Wordoo, short —
Moothoo, most.
MuUana, together, each other — DamamuUana, cutting each other.
Damami, to cut — MuUana, eaah other.
( Karoomurra, hair beginning to get grey. Karoo,
Murra fresh grey-Murra, new.
' ' < Apamurra, fresh water. Apa, water — Murra, fresh.
] Noamurra, married couple. Noa, husband or wife
[ — Murra, new, i. e. , new relationship.
Poothoo, only — Pothookoornoo, only one — Pothoo, only. Koornoo, one.
/- Yoothapina, great luck. Yootha, luck.
Pina, great, very -] Moapina, very hungry. Moa, hunger.
VNooroopina, very quick, Nooroo, quick.
Thulka, relating to — Kumuthulka, relating to person of a Blaokfellow.
Kurna, person of Blackfellow — Thulka, relating to.
/•Mopathuruna, collect together. Mopa, collect.
Thuruna, together-! Kumpathuruna, collect together. Kumpa, collect.
I Ookunathuruna, joined together. Ookuna, joined.
. c Kookootharkuua, unlevel, down hill.
Tharkuna, mclm- J pooratharkuna, bending the body forward,
mg uneven - (_ Munatharkuna, gaping. Muna, mouth.
IApaundro, relating to water. Apa, water.
Pirrundroo, relating to trough, Pirra, trough.
Kurnaundroo, relating to person of Blaokfellow.
Kurna, a Blackfellow.
Had loved— Yoorawonthie.
Will or shall love — Yooralauni.
Love each other — YoorimuUuna.
Love ye — Yooramarow.
Love — Yoori.
To love — Yoorami.
Loving — ^Yoorana.
Loved — Yooranoari.
Did, has, or have loved — Yooranaori
To Love, Yoorami. Loving, Yoorana. Loved, Yooranaori.
I am loving — Athooyoorana.
Thou art loving — Yondrooyoorana.
He is loving — Noolieayoorana.
We are loving — TJldrayoorana.
You are loving — Yinieyoorana.
They are loving — Thanayoorana.
86
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
I did or have loved— Athooyooranaori.
Thou didst or have loved — Yondrooyooranaori.
He did or has loved — ^Noolieayooranaori.
We did or have loved — Uldrayooranaori.
You did or have loved — Yinieyooranaori.
They did or have loved — Thanayooranaori.
I had loved — Athooyooranaori.
Thou hadst loved— Yondrooyooranawonthie.
He had loved — Noolieayooranawonthie.
We had loved — Uldrayooranawonthie.
You had loved — Yinieyooranawonthie.
They had loved — Thanayooranawonthie.
I shall or will love — Athooyaralaunl.
Thou ahalt or will love — Yondrooyaralauni.
He shall or will love — Noolieayaralauni.
We shall or will love — Uldrayaralauni.
You shall or will love — Yinieyooralauui.
They shall or will love — Thanayaralauni.
Names Given according to Age and Relationship.
Kurawulie — Boy under 9 years old.
Mockaworo — Boy over 9 and under
12 years old.
Thootchawara — Boy over 12 years
old after circumcision.
Matharie — Man.
Koopa — Girl until married.
Munkara — Girl on marriage.
Kudlakoo — Woman of middle age.
Noa — Husband or wife.
Adada — Grandfather.
Athanie — Son or daughter, so called
by mother.
Athamoora — Son or daughter, so
called by father.
Noamurra — Man and wife.
Booyooloo — Near relative.
Kaka — Uncle.
Kunninnie — Grandchild or
mother.
Pirraooroo — Paramour.
Piyara — Mother-in-law.
Pulara — Woman when appointed
Thidnara — ^Nephew.
Thuroo — Father-in-law.
Widlamurra — ^Women.
Wowitcha — ^Distant relative.
Parts of the
Auma — Breasts.
Caupoora — Waist.
Cauloo — Liver.
Coopoodrompoo — Wrist.
Imulla — Swallow.
Koodnabiddie — Intestines.
Kundrieooloo — Collar-bone.
Moonambirrie — Chest.
Muttaduckoo — Ankle,
Human Frame.
Milkiecootchara — Eyebrows.
Murramookoo — Fingers.
.Murrapirrie — Finger-nails.
Murraundrie — Thumb.
Murrawootchoo — Forefinger.
Milperie — Forehead.
Munanilyie — Gums .
Munakirra — Jawbone.
Miemie — Lips.
MOUNT FREELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE.
87
Oona — Arms.
Oolooo — Cheeks.
Oora — Legs.
Puliethilcha — Groin.
Pittie — Fundament.
Pittiemookoo — Seat.
Punchiethandra — Knees.
Poondrapoondra — Kidneys.
Poongnga — Lights.
Pida — Navel.
Punkathirrie — Side.
PUlperrie — Shoulders.
Thookoo — Back.
ThUchaundrie — Calf of legs.
Thinthabiddie— Elbow.
Thidnaraookoo — Toes.
Thidnawurta — Heel.
Thidnaundrie — Large toe.
Thidnaulkie — Between the toes.
Thidnathookoo — Insteps.
Thidnapirrie — Nails of the finger.
Thara^Thigh.
Thilcha— Sinews.
Thudacuna — Pulse.
Thitha — Joints.
Unkachanda — Chin.
Urra — Heart.
Wolcha — Hips.
Yerkala — Neck.
Yoorieyoorie — Veins.
System op Notation.
The only words representing numerals possessed by the natives are: —
Coomoo — One. 1 Paracoola — Three.
Mundroo— Two. I
Should they desire to express any greater number, it is done by adding
together the words above, for instance : —
4. Mundro-la-mundro-la.
5. Mundroo -mundroo-ooornoo, that is twice 2 and 1.
6. Mundroo-la-mundroo-la-mundroo-la, that is thrice 2.
And so on till —
10. After which, to 20, the term murrathidna, from murra (hands)
and thidna (feet), is used, and the fingers and toes brought into play.
Their arithmetic is then exhausted, and any larger number than 20 is
signified in the dumb language, conveying the idea of a mob — an innumer-
able quantity.
Astronomy.
The Dieyeries have some slight acquaintance with the heavenly bodies,
and also with the cardinal points. Not being informed in that science
myself, I can only quote a few instances : —
Amathooroocooroo — Evening star.
Kyirrie — Milky Way.
Koolakoopuna — A bright star seen
in the northern hemi-
sphere in the winter
months.
Kurawurathidna — A cluster of stars
representing the claw of
an eaglehawk, seen in the
western hemisphere dur-
ing the winter months.
Apapirrawolthawolthana — Two
stars seen in the southern
hemisphere in the winter.
Ditchiepittiekillkuna — Meteor.
Kooriekirra — Rainbow.
Ditchiecoornaworkoo — The sun'sr
meridian, also north on
its declension.
Wathararkuna — The south, the
quarter from which the
wind is most prevalent.
Ditchiedoonkuna — Sunrise.
Dilchiewirruna— Sunset.
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
PILLIETHILLCHA — THE AURORA ATJSTKALIS.
Whenever this phenomenon occurs the natives become very terrified,
believing it to be a warning from the devil (Kootchie) to keep a strict watch,
aa the Pinya (armed party) is killing some one; also a caution to avoid wrong
doing, lest the Pinya comes to them when least expected. The inmates
of the camp then huddle together, when one or two step out and perform a
ceremony to charm the Kootchie.
Selections from the Ten Commandments.
lat. Athona yoora Goda.
2nd. Watta yoondroo aunchanapitta, paroo, ya ya pittapilkildra windrie
Goda yondroo aunchana.
3rd. Watta Goda yoondroo oaukooelie dikana.
4th. Apirrie, ya andrie, parabara oondrana thana thipie aumanunthoo.
5th. Watta yoondroo narrie nundrala.
6th. Watta yoondroo pulakaunchie.
7th. Watta yoondroo kooriekaunchie.
8th. Watta yoondroo kuma komanelie, caukooelie ulohulchamuna.
9th. Watta yoondroo bootoo thoola milkirrana ya, noa thoola watta
yoondroo milkirrana baukooaumanuntho.
■ Vocabulabt.
Aohea — Ask.
Achana — Asking.
Achami — To ask.
Achanaori — Has asked.
Achanawonthie — Had asked.
Adada — Grandfather.
Adamie — Behind.
Akuna — To flow (as water flowing
or running).
Akoonga — To me, of me.
Alie— Us.
Alyie — Pew.
Alkooelie — Nice.
Alkoomie — Very nice.
Alkoo — Persons visiting a neigh-
bouring tribe to barter.
Alkoopina — Delicious.
Ami— To.
Awa — In reality.
Anana — Inclination.
Anie — Me.
Antie — Meat, flesh, animal food.
Antiea — The meat.
Antiemura — Of the meat.
Apanie — The water.
Apalie — Of the water,
Apanundroo — Relating to water.
Apulya — Watery.
Apinsie — My father.
Apoo — Comprehend.
Apoona — Comprehending.
Apooapoo* — Dumb.
Apoouna — To bathe, bathing.
Apachunka — Damp, moist, wet.
Apooriea — SUence.
Apooruna — Silenced.
Arrie — Similar.
Athanie — Son or daughter (so called
by mother).
Athamoora — Son or daughter (bo
called by father).
Athata — Younger brother or sister.
• During nine years' acquaintance with the Dieyerie and neighboming tribes I have en-
countered only one woman and one man deaf and dumb, and have conversed with them by
use of native signs.
MOUNT PREELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE.
89
VOCAEnLABY-
Aumami — To ait down.
Aumuna— Sitting down, residing.
Aumirithiiia — Remain.
Auminthieami — To remain.
Aumintliiemarow — Remain (im-
peratively).
Aumulka — Keep.
Aumulkima — Keeping,
Aunchana — Caressing.
Aumpoo — Almost.
Aumie — Flock (of sheep or birds,
mob of cattle, &o.).
AunchiemuUana — Consideration of
peace offered.
Backa — Husk or outer shell; also
used as a terminal imply-
ing "the same."
Birrie — Danger.
Birruna — ^Endangering, dangerous.
Binina — Exchange places, take tum-
and-tum about.
Boarkalie — Conscience.
Boolkooruna — Home-sickness, desire
to return to friends and
relatives.
Bookaundrinie — Scrub, shrubbery,
more bushes than trees.
Booka — Vegetable food.
Boolyaroo — Soft clay, mud.
Booyooloo — Near relative.
Boolyia — Those two, that two.
Boompoo — Bud, immature.
Boompoonundra — To strike ineflfec-
tually, to hit with no
force. (FromNundra — to
strike, and Boompoo.)
Booloopathuruna— Requiring change
of scene.
Booloo — White.
Boonoonoo — Itching.
Boonka — Grow.
Boonkuna — Growing.
-continned.
Boonkanaori — Has grown.
Boonkanawonthie — Had grown.
Boonkanalauni — Will grow.
Boorka — Wade.
Boorkunaparana — Wading through
or crossing water.
Booroolkooyirrpamuluna — Two per-
sons crouching down,
hiding to avert danger.
Bootchoo — Blind.
Bootchooelie — Of the blind.
Bootchoondroo — Relating to the
blind.
Bootharoo — Shower of rain.
Boongala — Shade.
Boongalie — Of the house or hut.
Boonga— Wurley, house, hut.
Bootoo — Property, chattels; also
used as a terminal
"with."
Bootooundroo — Relating to property
or chattels.
Baukoona — Digging.
Baukoo — Nothing.
Baukooelie^ — Of nothing, with no
purpose.
Bukina — Skinning any animal with-
out aid of instrument.
Bukinaori — Has skinned.
Bukinawonthie — Had skinned.
Bukinalauni — Will skin.
Bukuna — ^Also. Yoondroobukuna
( Yoondroo^ You ) — You
on the
Bunkanie — Side,
Bunkie — Pride.
Bunkiethoorana — Sleeping
side.
Bunkiebunkuua — Proud.
Bunyabunyina — A trotting pace.
Champuna — Always.
Chandachanduna — Mimicking for
the purpose of joking.
90
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
VOCABtTLAEY-
Chandachandathie — Apt to mimic.
Chakakuna — Doubting.
ChakairrpamuUuna — Doubting each
other.
Charpoo — White band worn, across
the forehead.
Chika — Wrong, awkward.
Chikala — Quite wrong.
Chikaundroo — Relating to wrong.
Chilpie — A knot.
Chilpieundroo — To tie a knot.
Chinberrie — Scars raised on the
body.
Chindrina— Glossy, smooth surface.
Chindriechindriethuruna — Very
glossy, very smooth.
Chirruna — Breaking of the skin by
some accident.
Chirkara — Sharp, keen edge, not
blunt.
Chirrinchirrie — Knocking out of
teeth.
Choondaroo* — Bed-ridden, para-
lyzed.
Choo — An exclamation to draw at-
tention.
Chowchow — Awkward.
Choopadoo — To play: when children
wish to play they use
this word.
Chuboochuboo— A ball (played with
by children).
Dalkoo — Clear, transparent.
Damami — To cut.
Damina — Cutting.
Damamarow — Cut (imperatively).
Damathuruna — Cut together.
DamamuUmia — Cutting each other.
Danina — Bidding farewell.
Daninaori — Has bidden farewell.
Daninawonthie — Had bidden fare-
well.
Daninalaunie — ^WUlbid farewell.
Danthoo — Soft.
Dapa — A sore, a wound.
Darpami— To sweep.
Darpuna — Sweeping, clearing a
space.
Datpumarow — Sweep (impera-
tively).
Daralie — Bad season for food.
Datharoo — Wait.
Dauchoomuna — With care, handle
or carry with care.
Dieami^To strike, to hit.
Dieuna — Striking.
Dienaori— Has stricken.
Dienawonthie — Had stricken.
Diealauna — Will strike.
Dieamuna — Gaping.
Diemarow — Strike (imperatively).
Diknna — Naming a chUd.
Dikmarow — Name a child (imperar
tively).
Dikami — To name a child.
Dilka — Thorn, burr, prickle.
Dilkera — Edge, shore.
Dilkerawirrtie — Along the edge, ex-
treme shore.
Dookurami — To extract, loosen, un-
fasten.
Dookuna — Extracting, loosening,
unfastening.
Doolkooro — Large hole or gully.
Dooukami — To rise.
Doonkuna — Rising.
Doorootharkuna — Round shoul-
dered, to bend the body
forward.
Doomoodomoora — Round, anything
round.
* I have seen alive three perfect skeletons— mere skin and bone up to the neck and
taoe which were comparatively fleshy.
MOUNT PREELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE.
91
Vocabulary
Doolkamurunai — Gorged, sick.
Dowa — Interfere, stop a quarrel.
Dowuna — Interfering, suppressing.
Doongiema — Cripple, a lame person.
Doostouna — Echo.
Dukami — To pierce.
Dukuna — Piercing.
Dukamarow — Pierce (imperatively).
Dukathuruna — Pierce together, we
are piercing.
Dulkana — Attracting the sun's rays.
Dulkinathurina — Attracting heat.
Dunkina — Meeting.
Dungina — Breaking cover to start
Duruna — A scratching noise.
Durieirrpuna — A scratching noise.
DuUarie — Ice (seldom seen in
Dieyerie Land).
lana — We.
lananie — Ours.
ImuUa — The swallow.
Inaloo — Below, beneath.
Itcha — Frequently.
Kaka — Uncle.
Kakoo — Yellow, yellow ochre.
Kakarurruna — Belching.
Karchuna — Turning, revolving.
Karchamulkuna — Turning over.
Kaparow — Come (imperatively).
Kararalie — Excessive heat.
Kaparachilpie — A wart, horny ex-
crescence on the flesh.
Karoo — Grey.
Karoomura — Greyish, inclining to
grey.
Karpami — To sew, mend.
Karpuna — Sewing.
Karpamarow — Sew (imperatively).
Karka — Call.
Karkami — To call.
Karkuna — Calling.
—continued.
Karkamarow — Call (imperatively).
Karkathuruna — Calling together
(we are calling).
Karkamulluna — Calling each other.
Kathie — Wearing apparel,
Kaulkoo — Rushes.
Kaunchie — Certain, sure ; sudden
appearance.
Kaungoo — Perspiration.
Kautoo — A breakwind.
Kauloomuruna — Greedy.
Kikubyeruna — Slipping.
Killuna — Dancing.
Kilchuna — Skinning.
Kilchami— To skin.
Kilchamarow — Skin (imperatively).
Kilpa — Cool.
Kilpalie — Cold. Literal translation
— Cool us.
Kilpaoomoo — Very cold.
Kilpanie — Winter; also, I'm cold.
Kilkie — ^Water hen.
Kilthie — Soup, juice.
Kima — A swelling.
Kimarrie — Is swelHng.
Kimuruna — Has swollen.
Kinka — Laugh.
Kinkuna — Laughing.
Kinkaboolkaroo — Smiling.
Kinna — Climbing.
Kirrie — Clear-headed, sensible. Also
used to order the way to
be "cleared" to allow of
passing.
Kirrunuruna — Teeth set on edge by
hearing grating noise.
Kookoo — Yes, yes; also, hollow
vessel.
Koodakoodarie — Very crooked,
irregular.
Kookuna — News, intelligence.
Kookathuruna — Telling the news.
92
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
VOCABTTIiAEY-
Kookootharkuna — Unlevel, dowB
hill.
Kookootharka — Topsy-turvy.
Kookoorurrunna — Noise of birds
rising or alighting.
Koolkami — To protect.
Koolkuna — Protecting.
Koolkamrow — Protect (impera-
tively).
Koolkathuruna — Under protection,
protecting together.
Koolie — Odour, scent.
Koolkoorie — Game of hide and seek,
played by children.
Koolkamuna — Jumping, springing.
Koolkamunawirrica — To jump
down.
Koolpina — Searching for tracks.
Koolpie — An operation {vide text).
KoomanUe — Own friend.
Koomuna — ^A dance performed by
women, when they move
their legs very rapidly.
Kooooelie — Knowing nothing of it.
Kooooanie — I know nothing of it.
Koongarra — Rustling or whirring
noise caused by birds
rising.
Koonthiua — Sprinkling.
Koondrakondroo — Coughing, a cold.
Koonyillie — Debris of leaves used
by swans in building
nests.
Koonkuna — Walking lame.
Koonabootharoo — Whirlwind.
Koonkie — Native doctor,
Koondagie — Storm, heavy black
clouds.
Koonkana — A grunting noise.
Koontiekoontie — Crooked.
Koopoo — Forelegs.
Koopirrina — Sore from any cause.
Kopulyeruna — Diarrhcea.
—continued.
Koopia — Calling a child, as "Come,
child."
Koopawura — Calling children.
Koopawuria — Calling children
(authoritatively).
Koorie — Mussel shell.
Koorieunda — Opening in wurley to
allow escape of smoke.
Kooriekirra — Rainbow.
Kooriekuruna— Escaped, ran away.
Koorookooroomulkuna— To hide
anything, to keep secret.
Koormooworkoo-— Horizontal,
across.
Koorana — ^Laying, placing; also
bringing forth young.
Kooranaori — Has laid.
Kooranawonthie — Had laid.
Kooralauni — Will lay.
Koorathuruna — Parrying, shielding.
Kooriethuruna — Forgotten, loss of
memory.
Kooragie — Certainly.
Koorielie — Stealing.
Kooriekaunchie — Thief for certain.
Kootcharabooroo — Deaf.
Koothina — Out of sight, disappear-
ance.
Kootcha — ^Leaf, leaves.
Kootohie — Devil, evil spirit.
Kootchieelie — Devil, evil spirit.
Kaupirrieundroo — Relating to the
iguana.
Kowkow — Spunging, to spunge on
any person.
Kowakabuna — Calling to account.
Kubbou — Ejaculation to warn from
danger.
Kudlakoo — Middle-aged woman.
Kulakula — Disgusted.
Kuldriecharkuna — ^Bending the
body backwards,
MOUNT FREELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE.
93
VOCABULABY-
Kuldrie — Brackish, bitter.
Kulkawura — Afternoon.
KuUula — Retaliation.
Kulkana — Waiting.
Kulkami — To wait.
Kulawuna — Gathering up.
Kulkulie — Slightly, slowly, gently.
Kulie — That's enough, I have said
it, that's sufficient.
Kuma — Keep.
Kumuna — Keeping.
Kummie — Sister-in-law.
Kumpuna — Gathering.
Kumpathuruna — Gathering to-
gether.
Kumpamarow — Gather (impera-
tively).
Kunninie — Grandchild or grand-
mother.
Kundrie — Resin; also, a native
weapon.
Knnthundroo — Relating to grass.
Kunthakoola — Green.
Kungirruna — Playful, merry.
Kundrimookoo — A native weapon.
Kunthakunthuna — Shaking any-
thing.
Kurdie — Brother-in-law.
Kumaundroo — Relating to a native.
Kurdiemurkara — A supposititious
large fish at the bottom
of the lakes and deep
waters.
Kurrakurrairrpuna — Peeling pain,
sense of pain.
Kurloomura — Two of the same age
circumcised at same time.
Kurlina — Obliterating.
Kurta — Sound.
Kurtie — Raw.
Kurumba — Blaze of fire, flame.
Kurrurrie — Directly.
-contimied.
Kurieami — To pursue.
Kuruna — Pursuing.
Kurrar— Vermin in animals.
Kurruna — Feeling.
Kurrakurrana — Feeling with the
hands, groping La the
dark.
Kura — Probably, in all probability.
Kurrawelie — Boy before circum-
cised.
Kutta — Lice, vermin.
Kutchakutchana — Paining, con-
tinued pain.
Kuttanylpa — Lice, nits.
Marieauka — Raising or lifting up.
Mathiena — Of course.
Malthie— Cool.
Malthiela — Liclining to be cool.
Manathoonka — Morning.
Marpoo — Many.
Mathar— Bite.
Mathuna — Biting.
Mathanaori — Has bitten.
Mathanwonthie — Had bitten.
Mathanalauni — Will bite.
MathamuUuna — BitiDg each other.
Mi — Commence, begin ; also To, at-
tached to a verb.
Miaroo — Rat.
Midukuna — Driving.
Mikarie — Deep.
Milkitchaparawurna — Light-
headed.
Milla — Race, current.
Millima — Racing;
Milliemuluna — Racing each other.
Milkie — Not strange.
Milkiela — Acquainted with, seen
before.
Milkirruna — Coveting, desiring.
Milkiechenmuna — Opening the eyes,
opened eyes.
94
THE AUSTRALIAN RACK;
Vocabulary-
Milpera — Company.
Millierieununanie — Dissolved.
Milya — ^Any kind of food eaten by a
native for the first time.
Milyaroo — Dark, dusk.
Mina^-What is.
Minapitta — What is it.
Minka — Deep hole, cave, burrow.
Minanie — What else.
Mindarie — A ceremony.
Mintie— Net.
Mindriea — Run.
Mindrina — Running.
Mindrielow — Run (by command).
Mirrie — ^Above, the top.
Mirrka — Small black ants.
Mirrpa — lignite.
Mirrpami — To ignite.
Mirrpuna — Igniting.
Mitha — Earth, ground, dirt.
Mithakillyana — Loamy soil.
Miyerra — Begin it, commence it.
Minandroo — For what reason.
Minarranie — For what reason, why
not.
Mithathootina— Cover over with
dirt.
Moa — ^Hunger.
Moalie — Hungry (hunger us).
Moanie — I am hungry (hunger me).
Moapina — Very hungry.
Moodlathirruna — Frowning, looking
cross.
Moodlakoopa — A fish weighing
about 4 lbs.
Mooduna — Finishing.
Moodanaori — Has finished,
Moodawonthie — Had finished.
Moodalaunie — Will finish.
Moodlawilpa — Hole in the nose.
Mongathandraparawwina — Crazy,
—contimied.
Moolaroo — Quantity, great many.
Moolthabuna — Soaking in water.
Moola — Quiet, tractable, harmless.
Mooka — Sleep.
Mookalie — Sleepy (sleep us).
Mookooparuna — Sleeping.
Mookoothoorana — Lying asleep.
Mooncha — Sick.
Moonohuruna — Sickness.
Moonohaparana — Lying ill.
MoonchoeUe — The flies.
Moonchoondra — Flies.
Moongara — Spirit, soul (I cannot de-
scribe this word other-
wise).
Moongathandramiduna — Sick head-
ache.
Moonkuna — Embracing.
Moonkanaori — Has embraced.
Moonkanawonthie — Had embraced.
Moonkalauni — Will embrace.
Moonarrie — Precipice, bark.
Moontha— Self.
Moonthalie — Myself.
Moonthabutha — Illiberal.
Moonthapirra — Very liberal.
Moongaworroo — The head smeared
with white clay (certi-
fying grief for the dead).
Mongamuna — Striking on the head.
Moonmananie — Punishment of elder
brother for younger's
crimes.
Moonyirrie— A circle, current in a
stream.
Mopa— Collect.
Mopami — To collect.
Mopamarow — Collect (impera-
tively).
Mopuna — Collecting.
Mopathurunat— Collecting together
congregating.
MOUNT FREBLING TO PIEIGUNDI LAKE.
96
"VOCABULABY
Mooroouna^Scratohing or rubbing
the body.
Mooromooroo — Disabled, deformed.
Mootboo— Certainly, without doubt.
Mooya— Dry.
Mooyeruna — Drying.
Mudlanchie — Not good, unpleasant.
MuUuna — Alike.
Multhoomulthoo— A fiah averaging
3 lbs.
Mumuna— Begging anything.
Munkalie — Careful.
Munkara — ^Young woman.
Mungarina — Shy.
Mungarinanie — I am modest, mo-
dest me.
Mundracowellie — Jealous.
Munumuruna — Talkative, gabbling.
Munacoothuruna — Tired of talking.
Mundroola — Only two.
Mundramindina — To draw in the
belly.
Munamuroomuroo — A black mark
round the mouth, dis-
tinguishing those who
have eaten human
flesh.
Muuatharkuna — Gaping.
Munyerruna — Parched lips.
Munyoo — Good, pleasant to the
taste.
Mundathuruna — Lazying.
Mundathurathie — Lazy, want of
energy.
Munthaka — Unmarried.
Muniea — Catch, secure.
Munina — Caught.
Munieami — To catch, to secure.
Muniemarow — Catch, secure (impe-
rative).
Munkuna — Scattering, dispersing.
Mundrunchoo — Pregnant.
Murdie — Heavy.
Murdawola — The under stone, used
in grinding seed.
Murdcooparoo — The upper stone, do.
Murdoo — Taste.
Muracherpuna — Groping with the
hands in the dark.
Muroo — Black.
Murulyie — Red.
Murookootoo — Black ochre.
Murkara — A large fish.
Murchamurchuna — Whimpering.
Murla — Again, true, not false, best
(superlative).
Murlaloo — ^Without doubt.
Murchina — Noisy.
Murrawirrie — Two-handed sword.
Murra — Fresh, new.
Murrawillpillpuruna — Numbed
hand.
Murndiekilla — ^Waves.
Mumdiekillundroo — Relating to
the waves.
Murdapooroo — Hailstones .
Mutcha — ^Enough, sufficient.
Mutchoomutohoo — Orphan .
Nanieya — She.
Nandrooya — Her.
Nanieda — She is here (after inquiry).
Nanka — Just down there.
Nankuldra — Repeat.
Narrie — Corpse.
Narrienie — The dead, my dead ?
Niuna — Seeing.
Nile — Seen.
Niehie — Seen.
Nianaori — Has seen.
Nianawonthie — Had seen.
Nianauni — Will see.
NiamuUnna — Seeing each other.
Niamarow — See, look, behold (im-
perative).
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
VoCABtTLAHT-
Nieamurra — Brothers.
Nieaundroo — Relating to.
Nillanilla — Mirage.
Nina — It.
Ninia — Tliis.
Niniya — That, there,
Nindrie — Body of anything.
Ninthalie — Ashamed.
Ninthapina — ^Very much ashamed.
Ninthabutha — Not ashamed.
Ninthaooroo — Shameless.
Ninyillpuna — Turning inside out.
Noa — ^Wife or husband.
Noamurra — Wife and husband.
Noandroo — Relating to wife or hus-
band.
Nokooloonokooloo — Continually re-
peating, reiterating.
Nooliea — Strangle.
Noolina — Strangling.
Noolinaori — Has strangled.
Noolinawonthie — Had strangled.
Noolihaunie — Will strangle.
NooliuamuUana — Strangling each
other.
Noongkoongoo — To him.
Noongkunie — His, belonging to him.
Noora — Tail.
Nooroo — ^Quick.
Nooroocauko — Not quick, slow.
Nooroopina — Very quick.
Nooroonooroo — Be quick, hasten.
Nowieya — There.
Numpami — To bury or cover.
Numpuna — Burying or covering.
Numpathuruna — Burried, covered.
Numpanaori — Has buried or
covered.
Numpamarow — Bury or cover it
(imperative).
NumpamuUuna — Covering each
other.
Numpunawonthie — Had buried.
Will strike.
■ — ccmUmmd.
Numpalauni— Will bury.
Nurieami — To order away.
Nuruna — Ordering away.
Nunga — Pour.
Nunguna — Pouring.
Nungathuruna — Pouring out.
Nungamarow — Pour out (impera-
tively).
Nunginaori — Has poured.
Nunginawonthie — Had poured.
Nungalaunie — Will pour.
Nundra — Strike, hit.
Nundraori — Has stricken.
Nundrathie —
Nundralauni —
NundramuUuna — Striking each
other.
Nunka — Press.
Nunkami — To press.
Nunkuna — Pressing. .
Nunkathuruna — Pressing it.
NunkamaTow — Press it (impera-
tively).
NunkamuUuna — Pressing each
other.
Olakuna — ^Watching.
Oodlaka — Watehguard.
Oodlakuthuruna — Watching or
guarding together.
Ookuna — Mixing, joining.
Ookunathuruna— Mixing or joiumg
together.
Ookiwuruna — Sick, retching.
Ooldroo — Small mouth, small hole.
Oolauloha — Bubbles.
Ooliekirra — New, bright, clean.
Oolkaitcha — Betraying, a person
unable to keep a secret.
Oolkootharkuna — The elder bro-
ther's assistance asked
by the younger in
fighting.
MOUNT FRBBLING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE.
97
y 00 AsvLARr—'eontimied.
Oolyie — Gum.
Oomoomurla — Better than good, su-
perior.
Oomoomoothoo — The best of all.
Oona — ^Arms, wings.
Oonoo — Laid.
Oonarrie — Eight-handed.
Oonchamuna — Recognized.
Oonchami — ^To recognize.
Oonduna — Thinking.
Oonthana — Moving the body to and
fro when singing (a
customary usage with
the tribe).
Oondrami — To think.
Oondra — Think.
Oondrathuruna^Thinking to-
gether, considering.
OnawElpillpirruna — The arm be-
numbed.
Ooroo —Often.
Oorooooroo — Hard, tough, strong.
Ooroocathina — Lying at full length,
Oorthie — Branches.
Ootamanurie — Hat, covering for the
head.
Opera — In front, ahead.
Oothoooothoothuruna — Stretching
the arms together over
the head.
. Ooyamuna — Remembering.
Ooyella — To pity, commiserate,
compassionate.
Ooyellala — Pitying.
Para — Hair of the head.
Parayelchyeloharoo — The hair
straightened on end
from the forehead.
Parakurlie — Large head of hair.
Paramooroo — Thickly-matted hair.
Parana — Crossing over.
Parabara — With force and strength.
VOL. u.
Parohana — All.
Parkooloo — Three.
Paroo — A small bony flat fish.
Paraparawumie — ^Foolish.
Paruna — Stopping at a certain place.
Parunaori — Has stopped.
Parunawonthie — Had stopped.
Parulauni — Will stop.
Pathuna — Tired.
Pathapathana — I am tired.
Pathara — A box-tree.
Patharacoorle — Young tree, sapling.
Paulkoo — Flesh.
Piduna — Pounding, crushing.
Pilla — Charcoal.
Pildrapildra — Struck by lightning.
Pillie— Bag.
Pilkildra — Something else.
Pilkiela — Another.
Pilkie — Not relating to.
Pilliethillcha — The Aurora Aus-
tralia.
Pillpillieunkuna — To flatten any-
thing.
Pina — Large, great.
Pinaenna — Increasing in stature,
growing.
Pinpanaori — Has shared.
Pinpanawonthie — Had shared.
Pinpalauni — Will share.
Pinpuna — Sharing.
Pindrie — Grasshopper.
Pindrathie — Thin as a grasshopper.
Pinya — An armed party.
Pinyanie — My armed party.
Pinyalie — Our armed party.
Pinyalloo — Of the armed party.
Pirramundroo — Shields.
Pirramoonkoo — -A ricochet.
Pirrakuna — Groping in any enclosed
place with the hands
for anything.
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE :
yOCABTJLABY-
Pirrie — Gap, groove.
Pirraooroo — Paramour (each man
has from two to six).
Pirrundroo — The trough.
Pitta — Stick, piece of wood.
Pittundroo— Relating to the stick.
Pittadinthie — A piece of wood that
has been used or cut.
Pittacopara — Roots of trees
Pittabooharichuna — Sandfly.
Pittie — Fundament.
Pittiethawa — Harping on one sub-
ject.
Pinthie — Nickname.
Piya — Birds.
Piyaundro — The birds.
Piyacooduna — Noise caused by birds
settling on land or
water.
Piyawola — ^^The nest.
Piyawolundroo — Relating to the
nest.
Piyara — Mother-in-law.
Poolkami — To blow.
Poolkunar— Blowing.
Poolkamarow — Blow (imperatively).
Pooldroopooldroounkuna — Meal
ground from seeds.
Pooloouna — Breathing.
Poolpauma — Mid-day meal when
hunting or gathering
Pontoo — Blunt.
Pontoola — Blunt, an instrument not
sharp.
Pothoo — Only.
Pothookoornoo — Only one.
Poonthina — Taking different roads.
Poopuna^Awordofcontempt. (Any
person lagging behind
or straggling out of a
party is told poopuna,
to keep his place.)
—continvAci.
Pooraka — Dry waterhole, claypan
dried up.
Poorina — Fallen, to fall.
Powa — Fine seed.
Pukuna — Exploding, bursting.
Pukieathie — Apt to explode or burst
Pukala — Frost.
Pulkami— To go.
Pulkuna — Going.
Pulkamarow — Go (imperatively).
Pulaooriea^Imploring, beseeching.
Puluna — Withering, drying up of
water, dying out.
Pulunaori— Has died out.
Pulunawonthie — Had died out.
Pulunaunie — Will die out.
Pulparoo — Surface.
Pulpa — Others.
Pulara — Women are so called when
appointed to perform
any special mission,
such as assembling the
tribes.
Punga — A small fly, hardly discer-
nible, but capable of
inflicting a sting as
painful as that of the
wasp.
Punie — No, none.
Pundra — Cooked, not raw.
Punkara — Level.
Punthama — To smell.
Punthamuna — Smelling.
Punchietharkuna — Kneeling.
Purdakunaori — Has brought.
Purdakunawonthie — Had brought.
Purdakalauni — Will bring.
Purdakunna — Bringing, carrying.
Purdie — Grub, caterpillar.
Purda— Hold.
Purduna— Holding.
Purdamarow — Hold (imperative).
MOUNT FREELINa TO PIEIGUNDI LAKE.
Vocabulary-
PurdamuUuna — Holding each other.
Purdami — To hold.
Purdanaorie — Hag held.
Purdawonthie — Had held.
PurdamuUuna — Holding each other.
Purathura — Smooth, flat, a bowling
green.
Purie — Under the surface.
Pururie — Beneath the surface, under-
neath.
Purriewillpa — Sky.
Purriewillpanie — Heavens.
Puthina — Early.
Thalkoo— Straight.
Thalpacooroo — Hard of hearing.
Thalpina — Warm, not cold.
Thandrana — Pouring.
Thaugemana — With force.
Thana — They, them.
Thaniya — Those.
Thanyoo — Dried fruit.
Thanyoondra — The dried fruit.
Thanpooruna — Caving in.
Tharka — Stand.
Tharkuna — Standing.
Tharkami — To stand.
Tharkiebuna — To stand anything on
end.
Tharalkoo — Ducks.
Thatha — A crack in wood, stone, or
other matter.
Thatie— The middle.
Thaubulyoo — Rotten egg.
Thaumpara — Pelican.
Thikamuna — Spinning.
Thiewie — Flowers.
Thieaoolraroo — Saw.
Thidnayoonkurrie — Cramp in the
toes.
Thilchaurruna — Impatient.
Thidnara — Nephew.
Thilpa — Tease, provoke.
—continued.
Thilpuna — Provoking.
Thilpathurruna — Provoking each
other.
Thilluna — To bubble up, effervesce.
Thinthami — To lose, to spill.
Thinthana — Losing, spilling.
Thinthinanaori — Has lost or spilled,
Thinthanawonthie — Had lost or
spilt.
Thinthi— Lost.
Thinkabboroo — Dawn.
Thipie — ^Alive.
Thipieoondra — Regard for life.
Thippirruna — To give life.
Thirrie— Fight.
Thirrina — ^Fighting.
ThirriemuUana — Fighting with each
other.
Thirkama — A song sung at the cir-
cumcision, and sacredly
kept secret from the
women.
Thitti— Ticklish.
Thokundruna — -Throwing down.
Thookami — To carry on the back.
Thookuna — Carrying on the back.
Thookanaori — Has carried on the
back.
Thookanawonthie — Had carried on
the back.
Thookalauni — Will carry on the
back.
Thookamarow — Carry on the back
(imperatively).
Thookamulluna — Carrying each
other on the back.
Thoola — Stranger; also, flint.
Thooldrina — Playing.
Thooda — Noon.
Thoonka — Unpleasant smell, stench.
Thoonkuruna — Stinking.
Thoonchirruna — Sneezing.
GZ
100
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE ;
VOCABtTLABT-
Thoondakunathoorana — Sleeping on
the back.
Thoondakuna — Anything lying on
its back.
Thoopoo — Steam.
Thooroodurana — Lighting a fire.
Thooroomunya — Firestick .
Thooroothiewillka — Sparks of fire
emitted from flint or
stone.
Thooroothooroo — Very hot.
Throoringie — Marrow.
Thoorpuna — Twisting string orrope.
Thootchoo — Reptiles, insects.
Thootchooudroo — Relating to rep-
tiles or insects.
Thootchaworoo — A lad after circum-
cision.
Thoodaroo — ^Fog, mist.
Thudaka — To vibrate, shove, or
push.
Thudakuna — Vibrating, pulsation,
beating.
Thula — ^Name.
Thularabooldrina — The clouds gath-
ering before breaking.
Thularakooduna — Raining.
Thularapolkoo — Clouds.
Thularakinie — Lightning.
Thuliekirra — To put the tongue out
of the mouth to denote
that the person who
does so is only jesting.
Thumpuna — ^Walking softly on tip-
toe to surprise.
Thumpathumpuna — Walking steal-
thily so as not to dis-
turb prey.
Thunkurina — Going over.
Thunka — Juice.
Thurdie— Thirst.
Thuroo — Father-in-law.
Thurakami— To swim.
•contmued.
Thurakuna — Swimming.
Thuraka — Swim.
Thuruna — Flying.
Tiana — Bating.
Tiala^Eat.
Tianaori — Has eaten.
Tianawonthie — Had eaten.
Tialauni — Will eat.
Tiamarow — Eat (imperatively).
Titituna — Masticating.
Tithatitha — Pockmark.
Ukurrie — Ours.
Ulka — Spittle, saliva.
Ulkundroo — Spittle.
Uldra — ^We, us.
Uldranie — Of us.
Ulchutchamuna — To threaten.
Unakoo — Don't know.
Unkana — ^Making, doing.
Undrakoomoo — One of the flock or
party.
Unpa — Tassel made from fur of rats,
and worn to hide the
privy parts.
Unpundroo — Tassel.
Undrawolpuna — Covered, not in
view.
Ulla— Well.
Utta — ^An exclamation.
Urrapurna — Startled, sudden fright.
Urramurana — Gay.
Urrathuriea — Attend, regard what
I say.
Urrathurruna — Paying attention.
Urrina — Listening.
Urraurraunkana — Breathing hard.
Urrawordoo — Gasping.
Urawa — Salt.
Urraurruna — A caution to be careful
of the young, to avert
dangerfrom them while
out hunting or on ex-
peditions.
MOUNT FREBLING TO PIBIGUNDI LAKE.
101
VOCABULAIIT-
Urriena — To descend.
Urriemutha — Floods.
Urriemuthundroo — Relative to
floods.
Wadarie — ^Where.
Waka — Small, not much.
Wakawaka — Very small, mite.
Waranie — Refusal.
Warapa — ^Inform.
Warapami — To inform.
Warapuna— Informing.
Warapunaori — ^Has informed.
Warapunawonthie — Had informed.
Warapalauni — ^WiU inform.
Wata— Don't.
Wattawanie — Island.
Watharaundroo — Relating to the
wind.
Waukriebuna — Breaking.
Waukanaori — Has broken.
Whi— What.
Wiala — Cook.
Wiami — To cook.
Wiuna — Cooking.
Wiunaori — Has cooked.
Wiunawonthie — Had cooked.
Wiulauni — Will cook.
Wianie — ^Nonsense.
Widlamura — Women.
Wilapathuruna— Any thing in motion
at a distance, as, for in-
stance, branches of trees.
Wierurna — Leaving the camp for a
day's hunt.
WieUkami — To take charge of the
child when hunting.
Wieilkcuna — ^Taking charge of the
children when hunting.
Wilyaroo — A ceremony.
Willpuna — Whistling.
Willpa— Hole.
Willpawillpa — Full of holes.
-contirmed.
Willpalooloo — White hole; also
stupid.
Wimuna — Placing under cover, put-
ting in.
Wima — Put in.
Wimma — Song.
Wimmawonkuna — Singing.
Wimamarow — Put in (imperatively).
Windami — To count.
Wiudimuna — Counting.
Windrie — Only.
Winthar-When.
Winthurie — Whence.
Winya — ^Wither.
Winyeminar— Withered.
Wippa — Gully.
Wippiyirrie — Gutter, watercourse.
Wirrelyema — Level ground.
Wirrileama — Leading a weak person
gently.
Wirriea — Under cover.
Wirrunaori — Has gone under cover.
Wirrunawonthie — Had gone under
cover.
Wirralauni — Will go under cover
Wirruna — Setting of the sun and
moon.
Wirrka — Fissures.
Wirrkanie — Flats with many fissures,
flooded.
Wirrtie — Song.
Wilchieua — ^Trembling from fear.
Wittcha^Itch.
Withie — Wound.
Wittwittuna — The roaring of thun-
der.
Wittawittanathurina — Continued
roar of thunder without
intermission.
Wodarrie — ^Where.
Wodow — What, how.
Wodaunchoo — How many,
102
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE : •
Vocabulary-
Wodanie — What is it like ?
Wodaroo — What do you say ?
Wokburna — Arriving.
Wokari — ^Arrived.
Wokumaori — Has arrived.
Wokumawonthie — Had arrived.
Wolpuna — To cover.
Wolpadukuna — Covering over.
Wolaguna — ^Walking leisurely.
Wolthami — To carry.
Wolthamaori — Has carried.
Wolthamawonthie — Had carried,
Wolthamalauni — Will carry.
Wolthuna — Carrying.
Wooloobukanathoorana — Sleeping
on the face.
Wooloo — Terrific pace, very swift.
Walka — Oflfspring, the young of any
animal.
Wolthoo — ^Not firm, shaky, rickety.
Wolkapurrie — Two perpendicular
marks in red ochre on the
stomach to distinguish
those who have been on
the red ochre expedition.
Woliewoliebuna — Person who pre-
vents a quarrel.
Woliewoliebundroo — Relating to a
peacemaker.
Wompinie — In the shade, sheltered
from the sun.
Wonka — Sing.
Wonkana — Singing.
Wonkunaori — Has sung.
Wonkunawonthie — Had sung.
WonkamuUana — Singing together.
Wonkulauni — Will sing.
Wondrami — To show.
Wondruna — Showing.
Wondrunaori — Has shown.
Wondrunawonthie — Had shown.
Wondralauni — Will show.
-continued.
Wondramarow — Show (imperative).
Wondrala — Show.
Wondaroo — Shower, indication of
rain ; also closely-knitted
bag.
Wonina — Tracking.
Woninaori — Has tracked.
Woninawonthie — Had tracked.
Woninalauni — WiU track.
WoninamuUana — Tracking each
other.
Wonchami — To try, to taste.
Wonchuna — Trying, tasting.
Wonchathuruna — ^Has tried, has
tasted.
Wonabunyie — The small bone of
emu's or kangaroo's leg.
Wonthawonthaloo — Travelling.
Wonthawirrieyinkuna — Travelling
to a certain place.
Wonthilcurie — Round the other side.
Woonthatharka — A calling place.
Wonthina — Search.
Wonthinaori — Has searched.
Wonthinawonthie — Had searched.
Wonthilauni — Will search.
Wonthithuruna — Searched in vain.
Wopuna — Gone.
Wopulkuna — Going.
Wopunaori — Has gone.
Wopunawonthie — Had gone.
Wopulauni — ^Will go.
Wopala — ^Are going.
Worietha — ^Long way off, distant.
Worami — To throw.
Woruna — Throwing.
Woranaori— Has thrown.
Woranawonthie — Had thrown.
Woramarow — Throw(imperatively).
Woralauni — ^Will throw.
Woratharuna — Stumbling.
Woorookarana — Barking.
MOUNT FREELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE.
103
VOCABULAKY-
Worooworookuna — Rickety, shaky,
not firm.
Workoo — The other way.
Woorookathieimdroo — Relating to
emus.
Worookoornoo — The reverse end.
Woraworana — To desert.
Worapami— To tell.
Worapuna — Telling.
Worapunaori — ^Was told.
Worapunawonthie — Had told.
Worapulauni — Will tell.
Worapathuruna — TelUng together.
Wordoo — Short.
Wordoopirrapirra — Short and thick.
Wordoowauka — Very short.
Woraunchoo — Left-handed.
Woroola — -Well.
Woroo — Time past.
Woroomurla — Long time past.
Woroomoothoo — Very long time
past.
Wootchoo — Long and thick.
Wotthiemookoo — The grave.
Wotthina — Building.
Wotthinaori — Has built.
Wotthinawonthie — Had built.
Wotthalauni— Will build.
Wolthila— Built.
Wowitoha — ^Distant relative.
Wulpieunkuna — Plaiting.
Wuldragunya — Summer.
Wuldragunyaundroo — Relating to
summer.
Wulkularie — Sorry.
Wulkulienuna — Sorrow.
Wulkina — In pain.
Wulkinaori — Has suffered pain.
Wulkinawonthie — Had suffered
pain.
Wuldragunyandroo — Relating to
-c<mtinued.
Wuldrulie — ^Warm.
Wulya — Soon.
Wulyaloo — Hereafter.
Wuldrawirrtie — ^Yesterday.
Wuraoong^Whom.
Wurta — The butt, the trunk, the
large end.
Wurthanow — Where is it ?
Wurthuninkie — Prom where,
whence.
Wurdathulka — To where, whither.
Wurunguna — To be distant, to show
contempt, disowned, dis-
carded.
Wurrpuna — A cantering pace.
Wurnie — Whose.
Wurnieundroo — To whom does it
belong ?
Wurriewarina — Exhausted, knocked
up.
WurUe — Who will, who did.
Wurungunalawopia — Have dis-
owned, have discarded.
Wurana — Who.
Ya-And.
Yae — Desist.
Yakulkami — To question.
Yakulmarow — To question (impera-
tively).
Yakulkuna — Questioning.
Yakulkunaori — Has questioned.
Yakulkunawonthie — Had ques-
tioned.
Yakulkunauni — ^Will question.
Yakulka — Question,
Yadina — Lie.
Yadinaori — Has lied.
Yadinawonthie — Had lied.
Yadinabunna — Will lie.
Yadinakaunchie — Liar for certain.
Yaniekaitnha — A bone.
104
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
VOCABULABY-
Yaniethuma — To place a Stick
through the arms across
the back (native mode of
lounging).
Yandrowda — Now, at present, about
this time.
Yapa — Fear.
Yapalie — Fright.
Yapalieunana — Frightened.
Yapakaunohie — Extreme fear.
Yapaooroo — Not afraid.
Yara — ^Thia side, nearest.
Yarapara — That's right.
Yarooka — Like this.
Yarooldra — The same.
Yatouna — Satiate.
YathamuUana — Quarrelling to-
gether.
Yathami — To speak.
Yathunaori — Has spoken.
Yathunawonthie — Had spoken.
Yathulauni— Will speak.
Yathamarow — Speak (imperatively).
Yathala — Speak.
Yathi — Have spoken.
Yathuna — Speaking.
Yaupunie — ^Afraid.
Yedlakoo — ^Very far ofif, long dis-
tance.
Yellaloo — Together.
Yelkyelkaroo — Extreme excite-
ment; hysterics prevail-
ing chiefly amongst the
women, and mainly
caused by jealousy; once
experienced, its return is
frequent.
Yegga — Native orange.
Yenmuna — I wait your return.
Yeppiua — Burning.
Yeppinaori — Has burned.
Yeppinawonthie — Had burned.
-continued.
Yeppulauni — ^Will bum.
Yera — The other side, farthest away.
Yerawayerra — ^Away from you, ab-
sent.
Yika— Milk.
Yikanunthoo — To milk.
Yikuna — Milking.
Yikunaori — Has milked.
Yikunawonthie — Had milked.
Yikalauni — Will milk.
Yikyillarie — Hysterics after exces-
sive laughter.
Yinkuna — Giving.
Yinkunaori — Has given.
Yinkunawonthie — Had given.
Yihkulauni — Will give.
YinkumuUuna — Giving each other.
Yinkathurrie — Gave.
Yinkiea — Give me.
Yinka — Girdle.
Yillthurala — Convalescence, recov-
ery from sickness.
Yinkaungoo — Of you.
Yinkaungooondroo — Relating to
you.
Yindrami — To cry.
Yindruna— Crying.
Yindrunaori — Has cried.
Yindrunawonthe — Had cried.
Yindrulauni — Will cry.
Yindramarow— Cry (imperative).
Yindrathuruna— Crying together.
Yinie — You.
Yinkathuruna— To succumb, to yield.
Yinetha — ^You did it.
Yinpa — Send.
Yinpami — To send.
Yinpuna— Sending.
Yinpunaori — Has sent.
Yinpunawonthie — Had sent.
Yinpulauni — Will send.
Yinpamarow— Send (imperative),
MOUNT FREELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE.
105
VOCABULABY-
YmpamuUuna — Sending each other,
Yinthina — Dozy, sleepy.
Yirrinya — Thin, poor.
Yirrirrabula — To instruct, to com-
mission.
Yirrirrbuna — Instructed, commis-
sioned.
Yirrchiea — Awake.
Yirrchuna — Awakening.
Yirrchienaori — Has awakened.
Yirrchiebunawonthie — Had awake-
ned.
Yirrchiebulauni — Will awaken.
Yirrchiebuna — To awaken.
Yookardie — Smoke.
Yookardieoondroo — Relating to
smoke.
Yookabitchie — Spade, any kind of
scoop.
Yoolkami — To swallow.
Yoolkuna — Swallowing.
Yoolkiinaori — Has swallowed.
Yoolkunawouthle — Had swallowed.
Yoolkunauni — Will swallow.
Yooa — Debating.
Yoondrathana — Across country.
Yoola — You two.
Yoondroo — Yourself.
Yoondrooina — You did.
Yoonka — Sulky, sullen, obstinate.
Yoonkuruna — Obstinacy.
Yoorkamuna — Roasting.
Yoora — Few.
Yoorala — Love.
Yoorana — Loving.
Yooranaori — Has loved.
Yooranawonthie — ^Had loved.
Yooralauni — Will love.
Yoorootcha — Horns.
Yootha — Luck.
Yoothamurra — Great luck.
Yoothapina — Very great luck.
Yoothabutha — ^No luck.
Yootchoo — Signifies a string put
round the neck of a per-
son leaving to barter with
neighbouring tribes.
Yootchoondroo — Relating to Yoot
choo.
Youdanie — About here.
Youuieka — About this distance.
Yowla — Breath.
Yowara — Language.
Yowerayinkuna — ^Dictating, literally
your talk.
Yowerie — The outer fat attached to
the skin.
Yuntha — A piece of wood.
106
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 55.— VOCABULARY.
By Mk. Samuel Gason.
Kangaroo -
- chookaroo.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum
- pildra.
2 Blacks -
- kurna mundroo
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
- kintalo.
3 Blacks -
- kurna parkoola
Emu -
- woroocathie.
One -
- koornoo.
Black duck-
-. chippala.
Two -
- mundroo.
Wood duok-
- koodnapina.
Three -
- parkoola.
Pelican
- thaumpara.
Four -
- mundroo-mun-
Laughing jackass (none exist).
droo.
Native companion booralkoo.
White cockatoo - kudrungoo.
Father
- apirrie.
Crow -
- kowulka.
Mother
- andrie.
Swan -
- kootie.
Sister-Elder
- kakoo.
Egg - -
- kuppie.
,, Younger
- athata.
Track of a foot
- thidna.
Brother-Elder
- niehie.
Fish -
- paroo, &c. (each
„ Youijger athata.
sort particular
■
name).
A young man
- thurrie.
Lobster
-
An old man
- pinaroo.
Crayfish
■ kuniekundi.
An old woman
- wildapina.
Mosquito -
- kooutie.
A baby
- koopa.
Ely -
- moonchoo.
A White man
- witepella.
Snake -
- woma, &c.
The Blacks -
- kurnawara.
Children -
- koopawura.
A Blackfellow
- kurna.
Head -
mongathandra.
A Black woman
- widla.
Eye -
- milkie.
Nose -
- moodla.
Ear -
- cootchara,
MOUNT FREELING TO PIRIGUNDI LAKE.
107
No. 55. — Vocabulary — continued.
Boomerang -
HiU -
Wood -
Stone -
Camp -
Yes -
No -
I
You -
Bark -
Good -
Bad -
Sweet -
Food -
Hungry
Thirsty
Eat - -
Sleep -
Drink -
Walk -
See -
Sit -
Yesterday -
To-day
To-morrow -
Where are
Blacks? ,
I don't know
Plenty
Big - -
Little -
Dead -
By-and-by -
Come on
Milk - . -
Eaglehawk
Wild turkey
Wife - , -
Mouth
- muna.
Teeth -
- munathandra.
Hair of the heao
- para.
Beard -
- unka.
Thunder -
- thularayindrie.
Grass -
- kuntha.
Tongue
- thulie.
Stomach
- mundra koodna-
bidie.
Breasts
- auma.
Thigh
- thara.
Foot -
- thidna.
Bone -
- mookoo.
Blood -
- koomarie.
Skin -
- dula.
Fat -
- murnie.
Bowels
- koodnaundrie.
Excrement -
- koodna.
War-spear •■
- kulthie.
Reed-spear -
-
Wommera -
-
Shield
- pirauma.
Tomahawk -
- kundriemookoo.
Canoe -
- pirra.
Sun -
- ditchie.
Moon -
- pirra.
Star -
- ditchiethandra.
Light -
- buralohie.
Dark -
- pulkara.
Cold - -
- kilpalie.
Heat -
■ wuldrulie.
Day -
- kurrurie.
Night - -
- pulkara.
Fire -
~ thooroo.
Water
- apa.
Smoke
- ukardie.
Ground
- mitha.
Wind-
- wathara.
Rain -
- tulara.
God - -
- mooramoora.
Ghosts
-
- kirra.
- thooroo.
- murda.
- oora.
- kow, kookoo.
- ahi.
- althoo.
- yinie.
- pitchie.
- oomoo.
- mudlaunchie.
- aloooelie.
- booka.
- mooalie.
- murdiealie.
- tiami.
- mookalie.
- thapana.
- dukadukuha.
- nieuna.
.- armuna.
- wuldra-wirrtie.
- kurrurie.
- thunkabunna,
the kurna wadarie ?
- kooanie. .
- narpoo.
- marpoo, moola-
roo, pina.
- waka, wauka.
- narrie,
- wulya.
- kapara.
- yika.
- curawura.
- kulathoora.
- noa..
108
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 56.— KOPPEEAMANA.
By Mb. F. E. Jacobs.
Kangaroo -
chookaroo.
Hand -
- marra.
Opossum
pildra.
2 Blacks -
-
Tame dog -
puruiua.
3 Blacks -
_
Wild dog -
keutella.
One -
- kuhiu.
Fmu -
worrukatti.
Black duck -
maru-maru.
Two -
- mondru, poolga.
Wood duok -
Three -
- paruklulu, kulnu
Pelican
tampangara.
mondru.
Laughing jackass
Four -
- mondru- mondru.
Native companion puralku.
Father
- ngabri.
White cockatoo -
keirdrangu.
Mother
- ngandri.
Crow -
kawolka.
Sister-Elder
.
Swan -
kurti.
„ Younger
-
Egg - - -
kabbi.
Brother-Elder
- neai.
Track of a foot -
tidnamalka.
„ Younger negi (?).
Eish -
morri.
A young man
- tarri.
Lobster
kurnkuderri.
Crayfish
An old man
- pirnarru.
Mosquito -
kunti.
An old woman
- wilda pima.
Fly . -
muncho, girmun.
A baby
- kupa-wakku.
Snake -
tutjo.
A White man
■
The Blacks -
karna.
Children
- kupa.
A Blaokfellow
karna.
Head -
- mangatandra.
A Black woman -
widla.
Eye -
- milki.
Nose -
mudla.
Ear -
- talpa, kutjera
KOPPERAMANA.
109
No. 56. — KOPPERAMASA — <
Mouth
morna.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- mornatandra.
Hill -
-
Hair of the head parra. ]
Wood
- pita.
Beard -
- namka.
Stone -
- marda.
Thunder -
- pildri-pildri.
Camp -
- ngura.
Grass -
- ka,Tita.
Yes -
- kow.
Tongue
- tarli.
No - -
- banni.
Stomach
- kmmapirdi.
I
- nganna.
Breasts
- ngammamurra.
You -
- yundru, yidni.
Thigh -
- tarra.
Bark -
- pitji.
Foot -
- tidna.
Good -
- mumu.
Bone -
- moko.
Bad -
- madlanji.
Blood -
- gummari.
Sweet -
- mardu.
Skin -
- darla.
Food -
- boka.
Fat ■
- mami.
Hungry
- moualli.
Bowels
- poualara.
Thirsty
- tardielli.
Excrement -
- kunna.
Eat -
- tai-i-na.
War-spear -
- kalti.
Sleep -
- mokaturarena.
Eeed-spear -
-
Drink -
- tabbema. -
Wimmera or
kuckuru.
Walk -
- wappema.
throwing-stick
See -
- nai-i-na.
Shield -
- pirramarra.
Sit -
- nammana.
Tomahawk -
- karlara.
Yesterday -
- woldra-wirti.
Canoe
-
To-day
- karrari.
Sun -
Moon -
Star -
Light -
Dark -
Cold -
- ditji.
- pirra, kurta.
- ditji-wokka.
- pared] i.
- ngalpura.
- kilpa.
To-morrow -
Where are
Blacks ?
I don't know
- tinkangulu,
momatunka.
the kama worda
yerri?
- ngaimago.
Heat -
- woldrapima.
Plenty
- marrapu.
Day -
- ditji.
Big -
- pirna.
Night -
- tinka.
Little -
- wokka.
Fire -
- turo.
Dead -
- narri.
Water
- ngappa.
By-and-by -
- wolya.
Smoke
Ground
Wind - -
- yukari, turo-
tupu.
- mita.
- wottara.
Come on
Milk -
- kapperou,
kappou.
Rain -
- tarlara.
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
-
Wild turkey
Ghosts
Wife -
110
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE :
No. 57.— STRANGWAY SPRINGS.
By John Wabrbn, Esq.
Kangaroo -
koongaroo.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum
2 Blacks -
Tame dog -
mudla.
3 Blacks -
Wild dog -
One . -
- oyoo.
Emu -
warrewatte.
Two -
- kara-kolon.
Black duck -
Three -
Wood duck -
Four -
- kara-kolon-kara-
Pelican
Laughing jackass
kolon.
Native companion
Father
-
White cockatoo ■
Mother
-
Crow -
Sister-Elder
-
Swan -
, , Younger
Egg -
bapoo.
Brother-Elder
-
Track of a foot -
womba.
,, Younger
Fish -
paroo.
A young man
- eawanga.
Lobster
An old man
- warroo.
Crayfish
An old woman
Mosquito
teepa.
Fly - - -
A baby
- koba-koba.
Snake -
wabma.
A White man
-
The Blacks -
Children
-
A Blackfellow
nulla.
Head -
- kardiappoo.
A Black woman -
ikkala.
Eye -
- eungiaria.
Nose -
mootla.
Ear -
-
strangway springs.
Ill
No. 57. — Stkangwat Speings — continued.
Mouth
manga.
Boomerang -
-■
Teeth -
Hill -
- ardere.
Hair of the head
- yarre.
Wood -
Beard -
-
Stone -
-
Thunder -
- myanguta.
Camp -
-
Grass -
-
Yes - -
- akie.
Tongue
-
No -
- atoo, aroo.
Stomach ■■
-
I - -
- atoo.
Breasts
-
You -
- anpai
Thigh -
-
Bark -
-
Foot -
- tedna.
Good -
- oorokoo.
Bone -
-
Bad -
- mudlanti.
Blood - -
-
Sweet -
-
Skin -
-
Food -
-
Fat -
-
Hungry
-
Bowels
-
Thirsty
Excrement -
- koodna.
Eat -
War- spear -
-
Sleep -
- koodnuUa.
Reed-spear -
Drink -
Throwing-stick
-
Walk -
Shield -
-
See
Tomahawk -
.
Canoe -
Sit -
- pangalu.
Sun -
- mooyoo.
Yesterday -
Moon ■
- parala.
To-day
Star -
- kardihula.
To-morrow -
Light -
-
Where are the
Dark -
-
Blacks ?
Cold -
- mudle.
I don't know
.
Heat -
Plenty
- naaka.
Day -
Big - -
- burra.
Night -
- wanga.
Little -
Fire -
Dead -
- nurandu.
Water
- koota.
Smoke
By-and-by -
■
Ground
_
Come on
-
Wind -
- wombara.
Milk -
-
Rain -
- elinga.
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
-
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
.
Wife -
112
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 57.— SiEAifawAY Spumas, —Additional
Lake -
Lightning -
Asleep - - undurata.
Arm - - - bambooarie.
Claypan water - wereka.
Creek - - - karla.
Cloud - - upella.
Dawn - - - wongonbra.
Pace - - - mana.
Fruit of pig's face peuda.
Give (me) water - koota narriqunda
Good-bye - - era.
Girl - - - angara.
Gum-tree - - apea.
Green - . - - mara.
Go away - yookanara.
Horse - - - nanto.
Midday
A lunar month;
lit. : one moon
Salt -
Spring water
Sandhill -
Stony plain
Young woman -
Where ?
Boy -
Nonsense -
Rat -
Words.
ekala.
inendi.
warridanga.
[ karalongayoo.
moolire.
uarrawa.
moodloo.
toodlere.
adluka.
wetera, inka?
kootere.
padne I
myara.
No. 58.— UMBEETANA.
By N. E. Phillipson, Esq.
The following vocabulary and facts connected with the
Umbertana tribe I received from Mr. N. E. PhHlipson, who
sent them to me at the request of Sir Thomas Elder.
In the Umbertana tribe the boys are circumcised at from
thirteen to fifteen years of age, after which they are called
Bernippa. A few months later they undergo the terrible rite,
when they are styled Kobba. Later on they are scarred on
the chest, and have the muscle of the left arm tightly bound
up with a cord made of human hair, when they are called
Wilyeroo. We have seen that this custom prevails on the
De Grey River.
Women, when given in marriage, are merely sent by their
father or brother to the camp of the husband elect.
The food of the tribe consists principally of kangaroo,
emu, wallaby, grubs of the gum-tree, snakes, and opossums;
UMBERTANA.
113
also of the seeds of the silver-wattle and of bower-grass,
which are crushed between stones and made into flour.
Few tribes seem to subject their young men to so many
barbarities as the Umbertana.
Unole -
Aunt ■
Cousin
Elder son
No. 58. — Umbertana. — Additional Wobds.
- ummema. Younger sou - warreya.
- wadnee nammee Elder daughter - arranye.
(little mother — Younger daughter warreeka.
see Kortabina Demon - - yubaldoo-baldoo.
vocabulary). Venus- - - wertaoordlee.
- bapapa. Club ■ - - mokooko.
- biddeya. Two-handed club mongoree.
Andalda.
Aldaberry.
Notilda.
Names oe Men.
Murrawalda (broken
hand).
Eednanda
Names oe a Family.
Notilda (the father).
Wilpunda (the mother).
Yalduktinda (a son).
Wonoka * (a daughter).
Morruya (a son).
VOL. II.
* Name of a place.
H
114
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 58.— UMBERTANA.
Kangaroo -
oordloo.
Hand -
murra.
Opossum
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu -
bilda.
wilka.
kintala.
warrache, waroo-
katee.
2 Blacks -
3 Blacks -
One -
Two -
arlpillina eura
- woolparinnaeura
oomarta.
■ arlpillina.
Black duck -
barndoo.
Three -
woolparinna,
Wood duck-
Four -
oobmomurra.
Pelican
Laughing jackass
Native companior
White cockatoo
I
warrandoo.
Father
Mother
Sister-Elder
bapee.
nammee.
yacka.
Crow -
wolko, koro wolko.
„ younger
Swan -
oortee.
Brother-Elder
- nonga.
Egg - -
Track of a foot -
Fish -
Lobster
Crayfish
kuppee.
wertaappa.
paroo.
„ Younger
A young man
An old man
An old woman
yungarree.
boolka.
billooota.
Mosquito -
oondee, coontee.
A baby
■ eedlapa.
Fly - -
Snake -
The Blacks
A Blaekfellow
yappoo, muncho.
wabna.
eura.
kurna, eura.
A White man
Children
Head -
oodnya.
yackarty.
babertla,ookerty.
A Black woman -
artoo.
Eye -
meena.
Nose -
moodla.
Bar -
uree.
tJMBERTANA.
110
No. 58. — Umbertana — contin'md.
Mouth-
yalla.
Boomerang -
waldna.
Teeth -
eera.
Hill -
Hair of the head
aackerly.
Wood -
nutohoo.
Beard -
nemga.
Stone -
aydnia.
Thunder -
■ emdoo.
Gamp -
amgoo.
Grass -
- yuta.
Yes -
nagoo.
Tongue
- yarlee.
No -
merdla.
Stomach
- werla.
I -
- ngyee.
Breasts
- namma.
You -
- neena.
Thigh -
Foot -
- moorta.
- edna.
Bark -
Good -
- beetetee.
- warndoo.
Bone -
- werlpo.
Bad -
- beednee.
Blood -
- aartee.
Sweet -
- amgaweeta
Skin -
- weeyee.
Food -
- maiyee.
Fat -
- memee.
Hungry
- eenbeminda.
Bowels
- memdakka.
Thirsty
- yambekoo.
Excrement -
- koodna.
Eat -
- nalquiatoo.
War-spear -
- winda.
Sleep -
- meya wandie.
Eeed-spear -
Throwing-stiok
Shield-
Tomahawk -
Canoe -
Sun -
- weeanderloo.
- teeparra.
- eundoo.
Drink -
Walk -" -
See -
Sit -
Yesterday -
- yalpartoo.
- mokaiye.
- nakoandaima.
- eikiyee.
- dalungya.
Moon -
- peearra.
To-day
■ yaatta.
Star -
- boordlee.
To-morrow -
- wiltaardla.
Light -
- bichie.
Where are tht
weeya idla eura ?
Dark -
- weelcha.
Blacks ?
Cold -
- artakoo.
I don't know
- ne weeya.
Heat -
- werdla.
Plenty
- weenerdla. .
Day -
Night -
Fire -
Water -
Smoke
Ground
- yatta.
- weelcha.
- erdla.
■ owie.
- oomdo.
- yerta.
Big -
Little -
Dead -
By-and-by -
Come on
- mannawerta.
- biednappa.
- baadlookoo.
- arry.
- abbeeya.
Wind -
- waree.
Milk -
-
Eain -
- owie.
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
-
Wild turkey
Ghosts
- moordoodnoo.
Wife -
.
H 2
116
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 59.— TURA OR EURA TRIBE, MOUNT SEELE.
By Chaules Wills, Esq.
Kangaroo -
oodloo.
Opossum
bilta.
Tame dog -
wilka.
Wild dog -
Emu -
warrachie
Black duck -
murrara.
Wood duck
bamdo.
Pelican
Laughing jackass
Native companion
White cockatoo -
weurando.
Crow -
walkala.
Swan -
Egg - - -
pepe.
Track of a foot -
yappa.
Fish -
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito
oonte.
Fly .
Snake -
wobna.
The Blacks -
eura.
A Blackfellow
eura.
A Black woman
artunia.
Nose -
moodla.
Hand -
- murra.
2 Blacks -
- eura idtpillina.
3 Blacks -
- eura oolpracoa.
One -
- obmooto.
Two -
- idtpillina.
Three -
- oolpracoa.
Four -
- yandymurra.
Father
- pappy-
Mother
- namica.
Sister-Elder
- yacka.
„ Younger
-
Brother-Elder
- woongna.
,, Younger
A young man
-
An old man-
- bulkamero.
An old woman
- bincuta.
A baby
- edlappa.
A White man
- oogtna.
Children
- yackarty munga
Head -
- buppartloo.
Eye -
- mina.
Ear -
- eure.
MOUNT SERLE.
117
No. 59.-
-TtTRA OB EUKA TrIBE, MoTJNT SebLE
- continued.
Mouth
- yikya.
Boomerang -
Teeth -
- eara.
HiU -
Hair of the head - buppartloo- |
Wood -
wittie.
watche.
Stone -
- adgna.
Beard -
- amka.
Thunder -
- ando.
Camp -
amgo.
Yes -
- nucko.
Grass -
- uta.
No -
murdla.
Tongue
- yerlee.
Stomach
- wuurla.
I
- ni.
Breasts
- numma.
You -
- ninna.
Thigh -
- moota.
Bark .
- Mdthati.
Foot -
- edna.
Good -
- wamdo.
Bone -
- walpo.
Bad -
- bedenacka.
Blood -
- artee.
Sweet -
- angowitha.
Skin -
- pea-ee.
Food -
- miei.
Fat -
- mernee.
Hungry
- arnbunda.
Bowels
- merndacca.
Thirsty
- owiemooroo.
Excrement -
- oodna.
Eat -
- nalconda.
War-spear -
- wurlata.
Sleep -
- meer.
Reed-spear -
.
Wommera -
- woonrara.
Drink -
- yappanda.
Shield
- peepara.
Walk -
- ookanda.
Tomahawk -
.
See -
- mikanda.
Canoe -
-
Sit -
- ekinda.
Sun -
- undoo.
Yesterday -
- alanga.
Moon -
- bera.
To-day
- yethaundoo.
Star -
- hoodla.
To-morrow -
- wiljharadla.
Light -
- mopanninga.
Where are the
wereadla eura ?
Dark -
- wilcha.
Blacks ?
Cold -
- hottanda.
I don't know
- utana.
Heat -
- walta.
Plenty
- naruta.
Day -
- undoo.
Big -
- narraka.
Night -
- wilja.
Fire -
- ardla.
Little -
- bidenappa.
Water
- owie.
Dead -
- eudaltha.
Smoke
- ardlaeppo.
By-and-by -
- aratche.
Ground
- yearta.
Come on
- abbaunin.
Wind-
- waddee.
Milk -
-
Rain -
- owie.
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
-
WUd turkey
-
Ghosts
-
Wife -
,
118 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 60.— BELTANA.
By Mb. J. W. Kingsmill and Mr. S. Gason.
I HAVE received vocabularies of tlie languages of two
tribes wMch dweU in the Beltana country. The first was
forwarded to me by Mr. J. W. KingsmiU, under the direction
of Sir Thomas Elder ; the second by Mr. Samuel Gason, who
writes of the Unyamootha tribe, and it will be noticed that
the two have many words in common, or but slightly differ-
ing. Indeed, had it not been that they disagree in their
equivalents of a Blackfellom and their negative adverbs (two
words which must never be overlooked when considering the
relationships of our tribes), it might almost have been
argued that their differences were those of spelling, supple-
mented by a few mistakes. Mr. Kingsmill, who tells me
that the language of which he has sent me a specimen is
called Kooyiannie, says: — "The extent of country inhabited
by the Kooyiannie Blacks is about 100 miles long by 50
wide, Beltana being situated in the south-eastern portion of
it. The names of the neighbouring tribes are Koonarie on
the north, a much more numerous tribe than this; the
Burngala, on the south, now nearly extinct ; the Keidna-
mutha on the east, a fierce and warlike tribe; and the
Koocatho on the west, of which very little is known. The
Kooyiannie, or Beltana Blacks, number now about 50."
Mr. Kingsmill also gives the following additional words,
using kn for the common ng, to express the nasal sound: —
Uncle
- knamuma,
Aunt
- knowoora.
Cousin -
- wincha.
Eldest son
- berdiana.
Other sons
- moonia.
Eldest daughter
- moonaka.
Other daughters
- kooranya,
BELTANA. . 119
The tribe concerning which Mr. Gason writes is called
Vnyamootha, possibly the Keidnamutha of Mr. KingsmUl.
The country of this tribe, Mr. Gason says, was first occupied
by the "Whites in 1857 ; that the tribe, which numbered
about 150 souls when my informant went to live at Beltana
in 1865, is now (1883) reduced to 50 persons, consumption
and drunkenness being the cause of the decrease. For
clothes, this tribe had rugs of waUaby skins, and for orna-
ments feathers worn in the hair and necklaces made of the
stems of grass, cut into short lengths and threaded. Besides
clubs, and spears which were always thrown by hand, they
had also the boomerang. To end the moans of relatives
who were dying, they used when the Whites first arrived
amongst them to MU them, the fat and choice portions of
the flesh being cooked and eaten. Polygamy still prevails,
and marriages both within and without the tribe. Females
become wives at fourteen. Formerly the first-born child
used to be destroyed. The neck, chest, and arms are
scarified in the usual way, and circumcision prevails. This
tribe call the young men Willyaroo, as amongst the Umber-
tana tribe. Mr. Gason says that the tribes which bound the
Unyamootha are the Wipie to the south, the Yaldikowera
to the north, and the Yarrikuna to the east. Running sores
are sucked by the Minarie, or doctor, and then bound up
with hot earth or ashes.
120
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 60.— VOCABULARY Or THE KOOYIANNIE LANGUAGE.
By Mk. J. W. KiNGSMILL.
Kangaroo -
- yarnda.
Hand -
murra.
Opossum
bilda.
2 Blacks -
mundru thura.
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu -
• wilker.
wilker.
- worrachie.
3 Blacks -
One -
culpara thura.
coobmana.
Black duck -
- mingalla.
Two -
mundru.
Wood duck
- yanganaroota-
Three -
culpara.
poone.
Pour -
mundru-mundru.
Pelican - - thampara.
Laughing jaqkass (none).
Native companion (none).
White cockatoo - ivarrauthoo.
Pather
Mother
Sister-Elder
papie.
comie, knumle.
Crow -
- waucurla.
,, Younger -
yacka.
Swan -
- cootie.
Brother-Elder -
Egg - -
Track of a foot
Fish -
- peipe.
- thidna,
- (none in the dis-
trict).
,, Younger
A young man
An old man
oonga.
miroo.
yowery.
Lobster
.
An old woman
pinaroo.
Crayfish
-
A baby
- thethree-marca-
Mosquito -
- coolie-coolie.
gie.
Fly .
- thumpara.
A White man
■ coodnoo.
Snake -
The Blacks -
- wobma, win-
cherta.
- thura.
Children
Head -
- urdlana.
- baperdelie, mie
A Blackfellow
- thura.
roo.
A Black woman
- kurdrie.
Eye -
- mena.
Nose -
- mudla.
Ear -
' euri.
BELTANA.
l.<Ci.
No. 60.— KooYumas— continued.
Mouth
■ thea.
Boomerang -
- (none).
Teeth -
- era.
Hill -
-
Hair of the head - awatohie.
Wood -
- curdla.
Beard -
- umga.
Stone -
- keidna.
Thunder -
- camdoo.
Camp -
- camacoo.
Grass -
- thuthara.
Yes -
- kow.
Tongue
- tharlie.
No -
- murdlo.
Stomach
- curlpa.
I
- kni.
Breasts
- knana.
You -
- neina.
Thigh
Foot -
- canthie.
- thidna.
Bark - -
- coorkie-leinga.
Good -
- mimeitha.
Bone -
- warlpoo.
Blood -
- currimohie.
Bad - -
- munga.
Skin -
- pie.
Sweet
- kurnyanienya.
Fat -
- mumee.
Food - -
- mie.
Bowels
- nampie.
Hungry
- kambaninya.
Excrement
- coodna.
Thirsty
- thareninya.
War-spear
- wardlata.
Eat -
- wealcooninya.
Reed-spear
- kidohie.
Sleep -
- miya.
Wommera
-
Drink - -
- thapunga cowie
Shield -
- muala, waroo.
Walk -
- oocunga.
Tomahawk
- borne, yackoo.
See - -
- naccoo-coo.
Canoe -
- (none).
Sit
- ecacoo.
Sun -
- thumdoo.
Moon -
Star -
- pera.
- purdlie.
Yesterday -
To-day
- waldarlaca.
- yeth.
To-morrow -
- wUcha-wilca.
Light -
- peitohie.
Dark -
- wiltcha.
Where are
the wadna thura?
Cold -
- malu.
Blacks ?
Heat -
- knurmarra.
I don't know
- murdla.
Day -
- peitchie.
Plenty
- knurlana.
Night ■
- wiltcha.
Big - -
- knurla.
Fire -
- curdla.
Little -
- wane-wane.
Water
- cowie.
Dead -
- pardluna.
Smoke
- thoopoo.
By-and-by -
- carie.
Ground
- yarra.
Come on
• oowieaj abbia.
Wind-
- warrie.
Milk -
-
Rain -
- cowie.
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
- acheroo (maker).
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
- ooochie.
Wife -
_
122
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 60.— UNYAMOOTHA TRIBE.
By Mk. S. Gason.
Kangaroo -
Opossum
ooloo.
bilda.
Tame dog -
wilka.
Wild dog -
wilka.
Emu -
warretchie.
Black duck -
marara.
Wood duck
(none).
PeUoan
(none).
Laughing jackass (none).
Native'oompanion (none).
White cockatoo - (none).
Crow -
wawkala.
Swan -
(none).
Egg - .
Track of a foot
pie-pie.
idna.
Eish -
(none).
Lobster
(none).
Crayfish
Mosquito
(none),
oolilie.
Fly -
Snake -
yapoo.
- woma.
The Blacks -
A Blackfellow
- yooroonguna.
- yoora.
A Black woman
Nose -
- yooratoo.
■ moodla.
Hand -
- murra.
2 Blacks -
- yierlina yoora.
3 Blacks -
- oolpurina yoora
One -
- oomerta.
Two -
- yierUna.
Three -
- oolpuriua.
Four -
- yandiemurra.
Father
- papie.
Mother
- amie.
Sister-Elder
- anyinie.
„ Younger
- papa.
Brother-Elder
- oowellie.
,, Younger noonga.
A young man
- yangarie.
An old man
- poolka.
An old woman
- yowirrie.
A baby
- idlapa.
A White man
- oonyoo.
Children -
- arraurda.
Head -
- paparla.
Eye -
- minna.
Ear -
- yoorie,
BELTANA.
i
No. 60. — Untamootha Tbibe — continued.
Mouth
- yiya.
Boomerang -
- wanna.
Teeth -
" iera.
Hill - -
- yooourrie.
Hair of the head - papalawotohle, |
Wood -
- urla.
Beard -
- uuka.
Stone -
- udringa(?)
Thunder -
- oondoo.
Camp -
- unkoo.
Grass -
- yoothera.
Yes - -
- na.
Tongue
- yarlie.
No -
- ootuna.
Stomach
- alpa.
Breasts
- ookooroo.
I
- iyie.
Thigh -
- moota.
You -
- nina.
Foot -
- yedna.
Bark -
- pithadie.
Bone -
- walpoo.
Good -
- munieurra.
Blood - -
- nrtie.
Bad -
- nunga.
Skin -
- bie.
Sweet -
- arngaminda.
Fat -
Bowels
- mumie.
- mundaca.
Food -
- naigie.
Excrement -
- oodna.
Hungry
- unpaninda.
War-spear -
- winda.
Thirsty
- yanpiltie.
Eat -
- alkooda.
Reed-spear -
-
Sleep -
- milwonito.
Wommera -
• (none).
Drink -
- yapandaloo.
Shield
- thippira.
Walk - ■
- ookundowa.
Tomahawk -
- adgna.
See . -
- uockundaloo.
Canoe -
- (none).
Sit
- ikuudowa.
Sun -
Moon -
- yoondoo.
- birra.
Yesterday -
- alanya.
To-day
- yatha.
Star -
- booralie.
To-morrow -
- oopinga.
Light -
- nilkerie.
Dark -
Cold - -
- wildga.
- altanda.
Where are
Blacks?
the yoora wona ?
Heat -
- wolda.
I don't know
- wungayindie
Day -
- batchoo.
Plenty
-
Night - -
- wildga.
Big - -
- orlaca.
Fire -
- nrla.
Little -
- pinapa.
Water
- owie.
Dead -
- yinda.
Smoke
- yoopoo.
By-and-by -
■ arrel.
Ground
- yerta.
Come on
- obieyar,
Wind-
- warrie.
Milk -
- ama.
Raiu -
- owie.
Eaglehawk -
- wildoo.
God -
- winma.
WUd turkey
- wala.
Ghost
- winida.
Wife - -
- artunoo.
123
124
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 61.— WONOKA.
By W. M. Gkeen, Esq.
The following vocabulary was forwarded to me by Mr.
W. M. Green, who informs me that tbe language of whicli
it is a specimen is that of the Arkaba-tura tribe, whose
country is about 70 miles north of Port Augusta. These
people relate that they sprung from a number of individuals
whose crimes had made them outcasts from their several
tribes ; that they met at various times at the waters, and
agreed to cast in their lots together. Other hill tribes in
this locality are said to have originated in the same way.
It wiU be noticed, on comparing the first column of the
vocabularies belonging to the tribes in this portion of the
continent, that they present few differences, but that several
are met with if we turn to the translations of young man,
old man, old woman, baby, &c. Another term which differs
occasionally in these dialects is woman.
No. 61.— WONOKA.
Kangaroo -
- koodla.
Hand -
- mura.
Opossum -
- peelda.
2 Blacks -
- alpilya tura.
Tame dog -
WUd dog -
Emu -
Black duck -
Wood duck-
Pelican
- wilka.
•
- warrachie.
- ngoorrir.
- burndoo.
3 Blacks •
One -
Two -
Three -
Pour -
- oolparrie tura.
- oobmana.
- alpilya.
- oolparrie.
- alpilya- alpilya
Laughing jackass
Father
- papie.
Native companion
Mother
- ngummie.
White cockatoo
- woolaki.
Sister-Elder
- yacka.
Crow -
Swan -
- worcala.
- cootee.
„ Younger
Brother-Elder
- yacka.
- ngemga.
Egg -
Track of a foot
Eish -
Lobster
Crayfish
- peepee.
- erdna mulka.
kooyea.
„ Younger ngemga.
A young man - ngumgarrie.
An old man - poolka.
An old woman - ngumbatoha.
Mosquito -
- gooleyrr.
A baby
- yackardie.
Fly -
Snake -
The Blacks -
A Blackfellow
- wobna.
- tura.
- tura.
A White man
Children
Head -
- akartee.
A Black woman
- artoo.
Eye -
- mena.
Nose - -
- moodlaormudla.
Ear -
■■ urie.
WONOKA.
la!
No. 61. — WoNOKA — continued.
Mouth
- ye-i-ya.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- eera.
Hill - -
-
Hair of the heac
- parpardlawichie.
Wood-
- widte.
Beard -
- ngooraka.
Stone -
- kadne.
Thunder -
- kamdoo, eum-
Camp -
- kemgoo.
doo.
Yes -
- na.
Grass -
- mooroo.
No -
- mukka.
Tongue
- yerlie.
Stomach
- pombee.
I - -
- ngie.
Breasts
- ngaimna.
You - -
-
Thigh
- auti.
Bark -
- bidithi.
Foot -
- eedna,
Good -
- meringola.
Bone -
- walpo.
Bad -
- bidnyaoa.
Blood -
- kooroo.
Sweet -
- mooamurda.
Skin -
- peyee.
Food -
- mia, myee.
Fat -
- mume.
Hungry
- emba.
Bowels
- ngumbie.
Thirsty -
- yarbe.
Excrement -
- koodtiai.
War-spear -
- weenda.
Eat -
- arlgouda.
Reed-spear -
- wadne.
Sleep -
- meya.
Wommera -
- oomera.
Drink
- yappurda.
Shield
- eparoo.
Walk -
- knookurnda.
Tomahawk -
-
See -
- nacoo.
Canoe -
-
Sit -
- yeounda.
Svm -
- yemdoo.
Yesterday -
- arlimga.
Moon -
- peera.
To-day
- yata.
Star -
- poordla.
To-morrow -
- wichumdoo.
Light -
- peerka.
Where are
the wanunga tura ?
Dark -
- weelja.
Blacks?
Cold -
- manja.
I don't know
- yacoodla.
Heat -
- warlda.
Day -
Plenty
- ngarda-oortoo.
Night- -
- weelja.
Big - -
- yoonga.
Fire -
- erdla.
Little -
- prednappa.
Water
- owir.
Dead -
- endathe.
Smoke
- booyoo.
By-and-by -
- wambi.
Ground
- yardda.
Come on
- yenaka.
Wind- -
- warrie.
Milk -
.
Rain -
- waparra.
Baglehawk -
-
God -
-
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
-
Wife -
.
126
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 62.— EASTEEN SHOEE OF LAKE T0EEEN8.
By W. M. Gbebn, Esq.
The following vocabulary, which differs but little from the
last, was sent to me by Mr. W. M. Green, who informs me
that the Kortabina tribe dwells on the eastern shore of
Lake Torrens. In it, mother, breasts, and milk are all
expressed by the single term ngummie. Mr. Green gives
me the following additional words: —
Teal -
- marrar.
Sandhill
poomba.
Diver
- weoopa.
Green -
kadleka.
Curlew
Roek-wallaby
Kangaroo-rat
Frog - -
- weeloo.
■ karndo.
- oolka, boorachie.
- ngema.
White
Red -
Black -
yarldoo.
yalthnohie.
peimba or blow
am.
Blowfly
Lame -
Blind -
Morning star
- yappo.
- teedna-ourrica.
- mena-mela.
- wildoo kyleela =
eagles two.
- buckala.
Trousers
Evil night spirit
Demon
Southern Cross
cundeepetha.
wangabbie.
marrownya.
■ mamburdi.
Frost -
Jupiter
■ boordlaketha.
Young
- buppa.
Uncle -
ngoomamoo.
A gentle wind
- warree buppa =
Aunt -
- ngapperla.
witid young.
Cousin
- mangurti.
A dust storm
- poota.
Boy of about
boldo.
Lightning -
■ wirra-wirra.
three years old
Crooked
- wirra-wirra.
Boy of about six
yackerty.
Rainbow
■ ooranye.
years old
Clouds
- marpenya.
Female infant
kirtigny.
Cloudless -
- keeree.
Girl of six years
ummeta.
EASTERN SHORE OF LAKE TORRENS.
127
Besides individual names and appellations which depend
on age, parents in this tribe distinguish their children as
foUows: —
1st son
2nd „
3rd „
4th „
5th „
Ist daughter
2nd „
3rd „
4th „
5th „
warrea.
moonea.
beerea.
ngarlia.
melia.
• moonaroa.
warngootoo.
warreka.
■ kerranye,
murooka.
Pine-tree -
Large sort of pig's
laoe
Where (are you)
going?
Be gone
Go that way
Go back again -
Isthere(any)water
in the country ?
peimba.
cullimillinoo.
wantha ngook-
anya?
ngookaka.
ngooka warra.
berratokaka.
Kowie yeringa
wandinga ?
128
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE :
No. 62.— EASTERN SHORE OP LAKE TORRENS.
BtW. M. Geebn, Esq.
Kangaroo -
koodla.
Hand -
-
Opoasmn
peedla.
2 Blacks -
- kylpela tura.
Tame dog -
wilka.
3 Blacks -
- coolpara tura.
Wild dog -
One -
- koopmana.
Emu -
warrachie.
Two -
- kylepela.
Black duck -
tanthunnie.
Three -
- koolparoo.
Wood duck-
moondon-ngarie.
Four -
- merndoona-mern-
Pelican
weedley.
Laughing jackass
doona.
Native companioi
L
Father
- pappil.
White cockatoo -
younganna.
Mother
- ngummie.
Crow -
woooalla.
Sister-Elder
-
Swan -
oootee.
,, Younger
Egg - - -
Brother-Elder
-
Track of a foot -
„ Younger
Fish - -
A young man
- meroo.
Lobster
An old man
- poolka.
Crayfish
An old woman
- yowrie.
Mosquito ■■
Fly -
gooley-gooley.
buppa.
A baby
- markutck.
Snake -
A White man
- goodenue.
The Blacks -
tura.
Children
- ngarlanna.
A Blaokfellow ■
tura.
Head -
- karkata-pepa.
A Black woman -
carroo.
Eye, -
- mena.
Nose -
mootla.
Bar -
- urie.
EASTERN SHORE OF LAKE TORRENS. 12
No. 62.
— EASTEKN SHOliE OF
Lake Tokbens-
—continued.
Mouth
- thied.
Boomerang -
- wadna.
Teeth -
- eera.
Hill -
-
Hair of the head parpardla |
Wood
- kudli.
wiichie.
Stone -
- kudyna, undya
Beard -
- ngemka.
Camp -
- kemgoo.
Thunder -
- kamdoo.
Yes -
- kowoona.
Grass -
-
No -
- raurdla.
Tongue
- yarlie.
I
- ngie.
Stomach -
- pombey.
You -
- neena.
Breasts
- ngummie.
Bark -
- coolara.
Thigh
- kundee, walpo.
Good -
- merneta.
Foot -
- teedna.
Bone -
- warlpoo.
Bad -
-
Blood -
- certingey.
Sweet -
- merneta.
Skin -
- pee, peltha.
Food -
- mie.
Fat -
- murnee.
Hungry
- kernba.
Bowels
- ngumbie.
Thirsty
- therrie.
Excrement -
- koodna.
Eat -
- arlgoonda.
War-spear -
- weenda,
Sleep -
- wandeta.
Reed-spear -
-
Drink -
- thuppanda.
Throwing-sticli
Shield
- meetla.
- moodlawaroo.
Walk -
- ngookunda.
Tomahawk
- boomeroo.
See -
- mena.
Canoe
Sit ••
- teekunda.
Sun -
- tintoo.
Yesterday -
- weeljara.
Moon -
- peera.
To-day
- yerta.
Star -
- poordley.
To-morrow -
- weeljar weelja
Light -
- perka.
Where are the wantha tura ?
Dark -
- weelja.
Blacks ?
Cold - -
- beeree.
I don't know
- whyu.
Heat -
- wardla.
Plenty
- ngarlana.
Day -
- biohu.
Big -
- manawarta.
Night
- weelja.
Little -
- wundey.
Fire -
- erdla.
Water
- kowi.
Dead -
- pardluuda.
Smoke
- booyoo.
By-and-by
- corrie.
Ground
- yardarra.
Come on
- kow-ii-e.
Wind -
- warrie.
Milk - -
- ngummie.
Rain -
- kowi.
Eaglehawk
- wildoo.
God -
-
WUd turkey
- wirdla.
Ghosts
- uuga matha(?)
Wife -
-
VOL. II.
I
130
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 63.— GAWLER RANGE.
By Mr. A. D. Sawees.
Kangaroo -
kurdloo.
Hand -
- murra.
Opoasum
pilla or pillpa
2 Blacks -
- kilbelly ura
Tame dog -
wilka.
3 Blacks -
- koolberri ura
Wild dog -
coortnini.
Emu -
warradi.
One -
- goo-o-mana.
Black duck -
maurra.
Two -
- kilbelly.
Wood duck -
Three -
- koolberri.
Pelican -
Pour -
- nulla.
Laughing jackass
Father
- papi.
Native companioi]
White cockatoo
yomgona.
Mother
- ngami.
Crow -
wongara.
Sister-Elder
- yakka.
Swan -
kooti.
„ Younger
-
Egg - - -
peppi.
Brother-Elder
- yunga.
Track of a foot -
tidni moonga.
„ Younger
Pish -
kooya.
A young man
- ooltapa.
Lobster
An old man
- meatta.
Crayfish
An old woman
- oodlalli.
Mosquito -
Fly -
yoombara,
kud-
A baby
- poolyoo.
lugi.
wapma.
A White man
-
Snake
Children
- kycherri.
The Blacks -
ura.
Head -
- kaka.
A Blackfellow -
ura.
Eye -
- meeua.
A Black woman -
balara.
Ear -
- euri, uri, or
Nose -
moodla.
yoori.
GAWLBR RANGE.
131
No. 63.— Gawleb Ba'sge— continued.
Mouth
-ya.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- ieera.
Hill -
-
Hair of the head- koolda.
Wood -
- wumdoo.
Beard -
- umka.
Stone -
- kytmya.
Thunder -
- koorunna.
Camp -
- kumgoo.
wongntta.
Yes - -
- uh-uh.
Grass - , -
- kurra, buree.
No - -
- mukka.
Tongue
- yarn.
I - -
- ngiee.
Stomach
- wurma.
You -
- nginai.
Breasts
- uumma.
Bark -
- patta.
Thigh -
- weeta.
Foot -
- tidni.
Good -
- munjeri.
Bone -
- wallpoo.
Bad -
- nunko.
Blood -
- kurrinji.
Sweet -
- ithleta.
Skin -
- pee.
Food -
- mii.
Fat -
- murini.
Hungry
- kumpa.
Bowels
■ bambi.
Thirsty
- kow-yanbitti.
Excrement -
- kurrta.
Eat -
- kurnba.
War-spear -
- kaia.
Sleep -
- mia.
Reed-spear -
Wommera -
- midla.
Drink
- kowyappa.
Shield
- yalkoota.
Walk -
- cokita.
Tomahawk
- kundi.
See -
- nakoota.
Canoe -
- yoota.
Sit - -
- chikatta.
Sun -
- uno.
Yesterday -
- wilcherra.
Moon -
- biara.
To day
-
Star -
- boordli.
To-morrow --
- muldarroo.
Light -
- wuUara.
Where are
the witha kootyoo
Dark -
- mullti.
Blacks ?
ura?
Cold -
- pialla.
I don't know
- yakootloo.
Heat -
- pooliji.
Plenty
- minna.
Day -
Night- -
- yattunyarro.
- muUdi.
Big - -
- minundoo.
Fire -
- kurdla.
Little -
- boolyoo.
Water
- kow.
Dead - -
- padloo.
Smoke
- kurdla-booioo.
By-and-by -
- yanyi.
Ground
- yukarra.
Come on
- burtni.
Wind -
- warri.
Milk -
-
Rain -
- kooruna.
Eaglehawk -
-
God . -
-
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
- goodnee.
Wife -
_
132
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No.
63.— Gawler Range.— Additional Wobds.
Red kangaroo
- koordloo.
Eyebrow -
- pikkoo.
Black kangaroo
- warroo.
Forehead -
- uma.
Rock-wallaby
- kunoo.
Cheek- , -
- ootoo.
Pigeon
Curlew
Native cat -
Yellow snake
Black snake
Carpet snake
Seven -
- murnbi.
- wiloo.
- gedna.
- wiparoo.
- womgo.
- waranbini.
- merna.
Nail -
Wrist -
Elbow -
Back -
Knee -
Shoulder -
- perri.
- urndoo.
- mungoo.
- yardtia.
- borra.
- bilberri.
Eight -
- minnawutha.
Neck -
- moorni.
Nine -
- koortiUyi,
Summer
- pokurra.
Ten - -
- koorijuno.
Winter
- goorilli.
Southern Cross
- woUiberri.
Uncle -
- ummana
Nostril
- moodla upa.
Aunt -
- ummari.
Lip
- ngimi.
Cousin
- winja.
The names of men and women which are also often the
names of waterholes in the Gawler Range : —
Men : Milta, Mooni, Yimbarro, Mamilti.
Women: Mattoodni, Koonda, UpatilU'.
No. 64.— MAEAOHOWIE.
By Harry L. Beddomb, Esq.
The following vocabulary was drawn up by Harry L.
Beddome, Esq., who forwarded it to me through the editor
of the South Australian Register, who had kindly pubUshed
a letter of mine on the subject of the native languages. Mr.
MARACHOWIE.
133
Beddome informs me that he has given the vowels gener-
ally the value which they bear in Italian. He adds — " The
words which I have spelt with lye might be more accurately
rendered with gli^ if pronounced ci Vltalienne. Where I have
spelt words with three r's, it is to show how very strongly
they are rolled ; quite as strongly as in parts of France,"
Mr. Beddome notices that all the tribes in the neighbourhood
have a word for devil. Many words in this vocabulary are
found at Gawler Eange and Port Lincoln.
No. 64.— Mabachowie.— Additionai Woeds.
My -
- artu.
Little boy -
- marailye.
Uncle -
- kanye.
Finger-nails
- murra-bede.
Swim-
- albutta.
Wet -
munla.
Bite -
- biteyena.
Lips -
- nymnyee.
Cross -
- botcha.
A lie - -
- orra.
Very hot
. bookara.
To tell a lie
- orra wonga.
Very cold
- byala.
Knee -
- poora.
A boil -
- bugroo.
Creek -
- paree.
To die -
- badleto.
To kick
- palda-thgun
Parrots
- dgeeda.
Ankle -
- pardla.
Tail -
- dginda.
Dust -
- poorba.
Trousers
- kantie-balda.
Meat -
- paroo.
Armpit
- kapura.
Truth— yes
- tookoo. .
WaUaby
- karndoo.
Cut -
- tukut.
Five -
- karpo.
Kiss -
- tarpanie.
TokiU
■ koonda.
Body -
- ubo.
Little girl
- katailye.
To run
- ummutta.
Lice -
- kooloo.
To speak •
- wonga.
Country
- kadma.
Ant -
- wEepa.
Son -
- kutche.
Forehead -
- waa.
Devil ■
- munnunnunna.
Gum-tree -
- wirra.
SweetheartjFemale mudla.
Jealous — angry
■ woUa.
))
Male mudye.
Cloud -
- wera.
Dry .
- moola.
Cousin
- wingdya.
Shade - .
-•madlee.
Lie down -
- wannetie.
Knuckles
Hat -
- mookoo.
Give (me) -
- yiingo.
- moona.
Whirlwind -
- yeroo.
134
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
No. 64.— MARACHOWIE.
■By H. L. Beddomb, Esq.
Kangaroo -
Opossum
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu - - -
Black duck -
Wood duck-
Pelioan
Laughing jackass
Native companion
White cockatoo -
Crow
Swan
Egg - -
Track of a foot -
Fish - -
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
Ely - - -
Snake -
The Blacks -
A Blackfellow -
A Black woman -
Nose -
coordloo.
wilga.
coppa.
karlye.
wongala,
peepee.
koioloro.
yumbera.
juno, wabna.
nanga, ura.
moodla.
Hand -
- moorra.
2 Blacks -
3 Blacks -
One -
- cooma.
Two -
- cootera.
Three -
- murra.
Four -
- minna (many).
Father
- mumma, papee
Mother
- nammie, weea.
Sister-Elder
-
,, Younger
-
Brother-Elder
- murree.
„ Younger yunga.
A young man
-
An old man
-
An old woman
-
A baby
-
A White man
- coopa.
Children -
-
Head -
- kaka. ,
Eye - -
- meue.
Ear -
- urii.
MARACHOWIE.
13
No. 64.
— Mabachowie — contimied.
Mouth
-
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- eera.
Hill -
- burnda, kadna.
Hair of the head - manga.
Wood - -
- cudla.
Beard -
- anga,
Stone -
- kydwa.
Thunder -
-
Camp -
-
Grass -
- boolca.
Yes - -
- ngamye.
Tongue
- talanye.
No -
- mukka.
Stomach
- nyeeree.
I
-
Breasts
- eebe.
You -
.
Thigh -
- kantie.
Bark -
-
Foot -
- yedna.
Good -
- munyeri.
Bone -
-
Bad -
- meela, minga.
Blood -
- karrinye.
Sweet -
-
Skin -
- balda.
Eood -
- mar, maii.
Eat -
Bowela
Excrement -
War-spear -
Eeed-spear -
Throwiag-stick
Shield- -
-
Hungry
Thirsty
Eat .-
Sleep -
Drink -
Walk -
- yangoo.
- ookutta, wimiin
Tomahawk -
-
iunie.
Canoe -
-
See -
-
Sun -
- dgindoo.
Sit -
- eecutta.
Moon -
- peera.
Yesterday -
-
Star - -
- kalka, poordlee.
To-day
- panye.
Light -
-
To-morrow -
- maldooroo.
Dark -
-
Where are
the
Cold - -
-
Blacks?
Heat -
-
I don't know
-
Day -
-
Plenty
-
Night -
- muldi.
Big - -
-
Eire -
- kalla, cardla.
Little -
-
Water
- kowie, kapie.
Dead -
-
Smoke
- pooyoo.
By-and-by -
-
Ground
^
Come on
-
Wind - -
-
Milk -
-
Rain -
- kapie.
Eaglehawk -
- wolye.
God -
-
Wild turkey
- walla.
Ghosts
.
Wife - -
-
136 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No, 65.— MOUNT REMAEKABLE.
By J. C. Valentine, Esq.
The following vocabulary and account of tlie Doora tribe
were forwarded to me by J. 0. Valentine, Esq., of Adelaide,
who received them from a gentleman well acquainted with
the tribe. Unfortunately, the manuscript is so indistinct as
to leave several words in the vocabulary doubtful. Mr.
Valentine's informant begins by pointing out that the lands
of the Doora were first occupied by the Whites in 1849
or thereabouts, the area of their country being thirty miles
by thirty, or 900 square miles, the tribe, it is thought,
numbering between fifty and one hundred souls. Of these
there are alive at present (1880) three men and five
women, the major portion of the deaths being attributed
to phthisis.
The weapons and implements of the Doora (whose neigh-
bours were the Bungeha and Manuley tribes) are those we
commonly meet with, including the wommera and returning
boomerang. "When the Whites first knew the tribe several
of its members were marked with small-pox, which was called
mingi, of which disease some of them had died' twenty
years before. One of the ceremonies by which the status of
young man was reached was circumcision. This tribe
scarred the chest, arms, and back ; the corroboree was in use ;
the knocking out of teeth was not practised, and marriage
took place within the tribe, but not between near relations.
MOUNT REMARKABLE. 137
Cousins were not allowed to marry. My informant adds
that tlie tribe believed in the existence of God, but furnishes
no particulars ; the word even is not translated. To my
mind no satisfactory evidence of an original belief in God
on the part of our Blacks has yet been adduced.
138
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 65.— MOUNT REMARKABLE.
By J. C. Vaientine, Esq.
Kangaroo -
- kudla.
Opossum -
- bilda.
Tame dog -
- gardley.
Wild dog -
- quana.
Emu -
- karrie.
Black duck
- manou.
Wood duck
- neirey.
PeUcau
- mamunou.
Laughing jackass picky.
Native companion
White cockatoo
- quodockee.
Crow -
- walkuUa.
Swan -
-
Egg - -
- mooka.
Track of a foot
- thinda.
Fish -
- queea.
Lobster
- wolkoo.
Crayfish
Mosquito -
- nowwiue.
Ely - -
- papou.
Snake -
- worma.
The Blacks -
- doura.
A Blackfellow
A Black woma,Ti
Nose -
- mudla.
Hand -
- mirra.
2 Blacks -
-
3 Blacks -
-
One -
- kouman.
Two -
- boodUna.
Three -
mungweei
Four -
-
Father
- ludlaw.
Mother
- mungier.
Sister-Elder
- yukka.
,, Younger
- bimya.
Brother-Elder
- ounga.
,, Younger Mmya.
A young man
- beela.
An old man
- botta.
An old woman
- namature.
A baby
- wolkalko.
A White man
- bingera.
Children -
- wolkalko.
Head -
- kokuUi.
Eye -
- mina.
Ear -
■ uree.
MOUNT REMARKABLE.
139
No. 65. — Mount Remaekable — continued.
Mouth
- targa.
Teeth -
- yeera.
Hair of the head - woolya.
Beard -
- mulda.
Thunder -
- kandou.
Grass -
- toota.
Tongue
- yarlee.
Stomach
- yookoo.
Breasts
- koondoo.
Thigh- -
- mattee.
Foot -
- tidna.
Bone -
- wipoo.
Blood -
- garoo.
Skin -
- bertpa. .
Fat -
- monee.
Bowels
- murkinya;
Excrement - .
- -kudna.
War- spear -
- winda.
Reed- spear -
- weeboo-winda
Throwing- stick
- wimee.
Shield- -
- womera.
Tomahawk -
-
Canoe -
- youkou.
Sun -
- tindoo.
Moon -
- biar.
Star -
- bundi.
Light -
- tindoo.
Dark -
- weeldya.
Cold - -
- mineya.
Heat -
- woldya.
Day -
- tindou.
Night - -
- weeldya.
Fire -
- kadla.
Water
- kowie.
Smoke
- booyoo.
Ground
- yeltar.
Wind -
- warrie.
Rain - -
- muckra.
God - ■ -
-
Ghosts
- kunyou.
Boomerang -
- worna.
Hill -
- turtoo.
Wood -
-
Stone -
- kanya.
Camp -
- wurley.
Yes -
- nee.
No -
- minbugoo.
I- - -
- nie.
You -
- neea.
Bark - -
-
Good -
- docknee.
Bad -
- mornetu.
Sweet -
- meer.
Food -
- mieh.
Hungry
- tindaget.
Thirsty
- moorlight.
Bat -
- meerkutcha
Sleep -
-
Drink -
- godliger.
Walk - -
- mimtchter.
See -
- nakutohar.
Sit -
- ticka.
Yesterday -
- "bokilou.
To day
- yatta.
To-morrow -
- tokilou.
Where are
the
Blacks ?
I don't know
- nang-y-ama
Plenty
-
Big - -
- beena.
Little -
- meekappa.
Dead -
- tindeitcha.
By-and-by -
- yangaree.
Come on
- gubbi.
Milk -
- namee.
Eaglehawk -
- wildou.
Wild turkey
- walla.
Wife - . -
— kattou.
140
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE
No. 66.— PORT PIRIE, FORTY MILES EAST OF.
By Me. S. Le Bexjn.
Kangaroo -
Opossum
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu - - karde.
Black duck - - nurry.
Wood duck
Pelican
Laughing jackass
Native companion .
White cockatoo -
Crow -
Swan -
Egg -
Track of a foot -
Fish - -
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
Fly - - -
Snake
The Blacks -
A Blaokf ellow -
A Black woman -
Nose - - - mudler.
Hand -
- murra.
2 Blacks -
-
3 Blacks -
-
One -
- koomunti
Two -
- poodlina.
Three -
- munguina
Four -
- terralina.
Father
-
Mother
-
Sister-Elder
-
„ Younger
-
Brother-Elder
-
, , Younger
A young man
- pernappa.
An old man
- bookucka.
An old woman
- amaja.
A baby
-
A White man
- koonyoo.
Children
-
Head
- kockerti.
Eye -
- minnoo.
Ear -
- urri.
PORT PIRIE, rORTY MILES EAST OP.
141
No. 66. — Port PmiE — continued.
Mouth
Teeth -
Hair of the head -
Beard -
Thunder
Grass -
Tongue
Stomach
Breasts
Thigh - - - terko.
Foot -
Bone -
Blood -
Skin -
Fat -
Bowels
Excrement - - kudna.
War-spear -
Reed-spear -
Throwing-stiok -
Shield -
Tomahawk -
Canoe -
Sun -
Moon - - - perrie
Star -
Light -
Dark -
Cold -
Heat -
Day -
Night -
Fire - - - kurreler.
Water - - kowi.
Smoke
Ground
Wind -
Rain -
God -
Ghosts
Boomerang -
-
Hill -
Wood -
-
Stone -
-
Gamp -
-
Yes -
- nee.
No -
- murlunty.
I
-
You -
-
Bark -
Good -
- thookoori.
Bad -
- wadlucki.
Sweet -
-
Food -
- maiyi.
Hungry
-
Thirsty
-
Bat -
- arkoonooa.
Sleep -
- wundiungy
Drink -
Walk -
-
See -
-
Sit
- tekunny.
Yesterday -
-
To-day
-
To-morrow -
-
Where are the
Blacks?
I don't know
-
Plenty-
-
Big -
-
Little -
-
Dead -
-
By-and-by -
-
Come on
- kareung.
Milk -
-
Eaglehawk -
-
Wild turkey
Wife -
-
142
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 66. — PoRw PmiB. — Additional Words.
Name of the tribe — Oanowie.
North -
- kowerta.
Finger-nails
- perringi.
South -
- patputta.
Elbow
- thingy.
East -
- morritta.
Knee -
- mutta.
West -
- wongitta.
Meat -
- bardbo.
Sea -
- bookooroorer.
Twine -
- thildeer.
River -
- kurry.
Kangaroo-rat
- bookurra
Reeds -
- wirto.
Bandicoot -
- mutty.
Whiskers -
- yunga.
Denomination of Children.
Male. Female.
1st born -
berrier
kartunga.
2nd „ -
warrier
warretoo.
3rd „
coonooa
coonertoo.
4th „ -
—
—
5th „ -
murria
munertoo.
6th „
_
mnrretoot
7th „ -
milla -
, milletoo.
In asking for anytMng, Mr. Le Brun informs me that
the word nee = yes is added to the substantive, as —
Bardoo-nee
Maiyi-hee
give me meat,
give me food.
YORKE'S PENINSULA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. 143
No. 67.— YORKE'S PENINSULA, SOUTH
AUSTRALIA.
By the Rbvd. Wilhelm Kuhn and W. Fowler, Esq.
Of the language of the tribe which inhabits Yorke's
Peninsula I have received the following specimen (which
includes some additional words) from the Revd. Wilhelm
Kiihn. It has many telrms in use at Mount Serle, Beltana,
and other places. Information concerning this tribe has
also reached me from Mr. W. Fowler to the following
effect : —
Yorke's Peninsula in South Australia (which must not
be confounded with Cape York Peninsula in the north) was
first occupied by the Whites in 1847 or thereabouts, but the
Blacks relate that it had occasionally been visited by sealers
prior to that date. In 1847, Mr. Fowler believes the tribe
numbered some 600 persons, but that it was reduced to
about half that number when he first became acquainted
with the locality in 1856. In 1880, the date of Mr.
Fowler's writing to me, the tribe numbered less than 100
souls. This falling off in number he attributes chiefly to
debauchery, infanticide, and to venereal diseases which
were introduced by the Whites. The maximum duration of
human life in the tribe of Yorke's Peninsula, Mr. Fowler
estimates, from what he has seen, at 80 years. Cloaks
made of opossum or kangaroo skins are worn by these
Blacks. Girls deck themselves with . necklaces made of
sea shells. Of course the men formerly greased their skins
when they could obtain fat of any sort. For knives they
employed shells and afterwards glass ; for they relate that
they used occasionally to find bottles on the beach many
years before the Whites came to reside in South Australia.
Their weapons were rude spears, and wooden swords five
feet long and slightly curved; the boomerang and
144 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
wommera were unknown amongst them. Occasionally they
baked their food in temporary ovens. Polygamy was
practised, and girls became wives at ten years of age.
iung diseases and enlargement of the liver are the
maladies most prevalent in this tribe. A few years ago
scarlet-fever and measles were introduced, and killed
many.
The males of this tribe are admitted to the privileges of
men, or made young men as the term is, by being circum-
cised ; such privileges being the right to get a wife, if one
can be obtained, and the removal of a portion of the
restrictions on food. When the time for the administration
of this rite has come, the men seize the uncircumcised
males of the proper age, and drive the women, after some
show of resistance, out of the camp. The foreskin is then
severed, and, it is asserted, swallowed by the youth's father.
This tribe, it is related, believe in a future state, and that
the dead go to the west ; to the country whence come the
cool winds, and in which it is believed there is always
abundance of fat fish. Kangaroo and emu are speared and
also taken in nets. The dead are frequently buried in old
wombat holes.
Mr. Fowler relates the following as one of the modes
of fishing in this tribe, witnessed by himself. A good-sized
fish being roasted, and tied up in a bundle of rushes, is
fastened round the neck of a strong swimmer, so that it
hangs down his back. With this he swims out to sea a
mile or more, and then returns to the sandy beach, the
roasted fish still hanging behind him. When near the
shore, the swimmer attaches the fish to a spear stuck in
the sand, where the water is about three feet deep. In the
meantime the men have got ready their long nets, and
the shoal of fish, as soon as it arrives on the scent of this
drag, is surrounded and taken, Mr. Fowler says that he
saw an enormous quantity of schnapper secured in this way
on one occasion. It is a mode of fishing I have not heard
of before.
YORKE'S PENINSULA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA.
145
In the AMitional Words, the equivalents for boots and
blind are evidently composite words, and may be compared
with foot and eye in the Common Vocabulary. It may
be noticed that «?2W?2a is foot; dinnabalta, boots; and balta,
coat.
Blowfly
Horsefly
Stick -
■ duboora.
- dumboola.
- wowac.
Horse -
Listen -
Hat -
nantoo.
yooringooroo.
caccaboonna.
Meat -
Awake
- baroo.
- wondini.
Upper lip -
Under lip -
tabarlpa.
adbaroo.
Another
Bread ■
- gootchoo.
- miei.
Lazy -
Knee -
idannie.
mattoo.
Branch
Chest (male's)
Bum -
Boots -
- wuddly.
- buttna.
- nairie.
- dinnabalta.
Female kangaroo
Moustache -
Moonlight -
Mouse -
worvie.
- dabara yanca.
birrayirka.
- mantoo.
Bury -
BuUd -
- bernitebernite.
- tantooroo.
More -
Mist -
- gurridoo.
- maluna.
Bag -
Beach -
- marndicoo.
- worra.
Neck -
North -
- monooworta.
- karrana.
Blind -
Coat -
- minnadampa.
- balta.
Net -
Kangaroo net
- winna.
- mintie.
Cry -
Cloud -
Dance -
- moorkanoo.
- maccoo.
- currlbunguroo.
Now -
Poor -
Exclamations
■ gerrie.
- woUinoo.
- yakka ! gerta!
146
THE AUSTUALIAJSr RACE:
No. 67— YOEKE'S PENINSULA.
By the Revd. Wilhblm Kuhn.
Kangaroo -
nantoo.
Hand -
- mirra.
Opossum
bilta.
2 Blacks -
- bulUe niporie.
Tame dog -
Wilddog -
Emu - - -
Black duck -
kadle.
garrie.
bulguna arrie.
3 Blacks
One -
Two -
- mangoore niporie
- ariekoo,
- bum.
Wood duck
woodla arrie.
Three -
- mangoore.
Pelican
dananka, wudlie.
Four -
- gerrie buUi.
Laughing jackass
Father
- tchela.
Native companion diddidilga.
White cockatoo - agagala.
Crow - - - gooa.
Swan - - - guldyoo.
Mother
Sister-Elder
„ Younger
- tcha.
- yackana.
- bunya.
Egg - -
mokka.
Brother-Elder
-
Track of a foot -
bultoo.
,, Younger yuna.
Fish -
Lobster
guya.
danibutcha.
A young man
An old man
- dingarra,
- balkagerlie.
Crayfish
Mosquito
Fly -
Snake -
worronguna.
- goonintie.
dababoo.
worukoo.
An old woman
A baby
A White man
- balka ankie.
- vocoacoo.
- bindirie yerlie.
The Blacks -
niporie.
Children
- guanetti.
A Blackfellow
■ nipoo.
Head -
- kakka.
A Black woman ■
ankle.
Eye -
- mmna.
Nose -
mudla.
Ear -
- daltie.
YORKE'S PENINSULA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA,
147
No. 67.— Yokkb's 'P^mmsTiLA— continued.
Mouth
- dabara.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- tea.
Hill -
- murdalpa.
Hair of the heac
- kakka wilya.
Wood -
- woodla.
Beard -
- yanka.
Stone -
- bemta
Thunder -
- garta.
Camp -
- wodlee.
Grass -
- dutta.
Yes -
- nee.
Tongue
Stomach
Breasts
- dallange.
- wonkie.
- ammie.
No - -
I-
- mana.
- ti.
Thigh -
Foot -
- gantee.
- didna.
You ••
Bark -
- ninni.
- garnica.
Bone -
- worlpoo.
Good -
- gurrana.
Blood -
- garroo.
Bad -
- wollinoo.
Skin -
- barlba.
Sweet -
- gurrana, merto.
Fat -
- numnfa, memie.
Food -
- datyoo.
Bowels
- wolcharie.
Hungry
- datyoorie.
Excrement -
- goodnarie.
Thirsty
- kabitoha, bad-
War-spear -
- durdla winta.
waich.
Reed-spear -
- giea.
Eat -
- argooroo.
Wommera or
wiaroo.
Sleep -
- wondinie.
throwing-stick
Drink -
- dabbanie.
Shield
- muUabakka.
Walk -
- bommanie.
Tomahawk -
- balgarie.
See -
- nayoung.
Canoe -
- jnkkoo.
Sit -
- dikkanie.
Sun -
- tintoo.
Yesterday -
- bucciloo.
Moon -
- birra.
To-day • -
- gerrie.
Star -
- burlie.
Tomorrow -
- dargerrie.
Light -
- gallira.
Where are
the niporie wonna ?
Dark -
- wiloha.
Blacks ?
Cold - -
- mamartoo.
I don't know
- woUi wompana.
Heat -
- wodoonabbie.
Plenty
- durlooroo, mirna
Day -
- gura.
Big -
- mirna.
Night -
- mallaboo.
Little -
- dookoody.
Fire -
- gurdla.
Dead -
- barluna.
Water
- kabie.
By-and-by -
- ganenarlie.
Smoke
- booyoo.
Come on
- bernie, bor-
Ground
- gerta.
natcha.
Wind -
- worrie.
Milk •-
-
Rain -
- manya.
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
-
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
-
Wife -
-
K 2
148
THE AUSTRALIAN RAC^
No. 68.- ADELAIDE AND ITS NEIGHBOUEHOOD.
By Messrs. Teichelmann and Schtjbmann, and Mr. W. Wtatt.
The Adelaide tribe having become extinct somewhere
about the year 1850, and no original information there-
fore being now obtainable concerning its manners and
language, I have taken the vocabulary and the few addi-
tional words which follow from two works which agree
very fairly in their translations. The first is entitled
Outlines of a Grammar and Vocabulary, ^c, spoken by
the Natives in and for some distance around Adelaide, by
C. G. Teichelmann and C. W. Schurmann. Adelaide,
1840. The other. Some Account of the Manners and
Superstitions of the Adelaide and Encounter Bay Abori-
ginal Tribes, with a Vocabulary of their Language, ^c,
by Wm. Wyatt. Adelaide, 1879.
The Adelaide tribe practised circumcision, and small-pox
committed fearful ravages amongst them in 1830. They
used to say that it reached them by way of the Murray,
having been passed on from tribe to tribe. The Adelaide
Blacks, like the Bangerang, when they first saw boiled
rice, called it by their equivalent for maggots. The
additional words are these :—
Uncle
- kouano.
The sea
kopoola koue
Aunt
- burnowe.
(salt water).
Nephew-
- burrian.
Salt -
kopoola.
Niece
- wongare.
Girl -
munkera.
Cousin
- kou-wou.
Fillet for the heac
munga.
North
- kouanda.
Distaff
munga Riiuke.
East
- mare,
Ground
yerta.
Black
- boolyon.
Country-man
yerta mayoo
White
- burkon.
(ground man).
To fight
- kondan.
Country-woman
- yerta ummaiche
ADELAIDE AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD.
149
Where?
adle.
A cough
kolte.
What -
anna.
The inner ' (lit.
ummaiche
To drink water by
arkoonde koue.
woman) rainbow
kombo.
lifting it with
To fight
kondan.
the hands
An imaginary
koonyoo.
To dive
bokan.
being
To swim
bookane.
Animals females
koongonda.
Frost -
boorka.
must not eat
Wrist ■ - -
emdo.
Flesh of animals
ponoo koongonda
Questions to a
kadle adle
females must
dead man
wangan.
not eat
The heart -
kalto.
Corroboree -
koore.
Sweat ■
kantarta.
A young emu
koore-koore.
Evening
karkalo.
Tobacco
koppe.
Forest -
kerta.
To vomit
koppeen.
Some of the above phrases are very suggestive, as,
Drinking water by lifting it with the hands; Questions to
a dead man ; An imaginary being ; and are referred to in
Vol. I. in the Chapter which treats of the Origin of the
Eace.
150
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 68.— FROM TEICHELMANN AND SCHURMANN, AND
W. WYATT.
Kangaroo -
nanto, wauwe.
Hand -
mara.
Opossum
pilta.
2 Blacks -
Tame dog -
kadU.
3 Blacks -
Wild dog -
warru-kadli.
One
kuma.
Emu -
kari, korre.
Black duck -
Two -
parlaitye.
Wood duck -
Three -
marukutye.
Pelicaii
yeltu.
Four -
yerrabuUa.
Laughing jackass
ngungana.
Father
yerUmeya.
Native companion
Mother
ngang-kitta.
White cockatoo
kurrake.
Crow -
. kua.
Sister-Elder
yakkana.
Swan -
kudlyo koolyo.
,, Younger
panyappi, nga-
Egg - -
muka.
rauna.
Track of a foot
- tainga.
Brother-Elder
yanga.
Fish -
kuya.
,, Younger panyappi.
Lobster
kunggurla.
A young man
- ngarUda.
Crayfish
ngaltaitye.
An old man
- burka, burtonna
Mosquito -
kuntipaitya.
An old woman
- paityabulli.
Fly -
A baby
- pindiwadU.
Snake -
metteeka.
A White man
- pindi-meyu.
The Blacks -
meyu, mayoo.
Children
- wakwakko.
A Blackfellow
binna.
A Black woman -
ngamuia, ngam-
Head -
- makarta.
maitye.
Eye -
- mena.
Nose -
- mudla.
Ear -
- yure.
ADELAIDE AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD.
151
No. 68. — From Teichblmann aud Schuemann, akd W. Wtatt —
continued.
Mouth
- ta, naraparta,
Boomerang -
-
taiappa.
Hill -
- karnu, mokoota,
Teeth -
- tia.
Wood-
- gadla, wirra.
Hair of the heac
- yoka.
Stone -
Camp -
- pure.
- werle, wodli-
Beard -
- malta.
bulto.
Thunder -
- biturro, karndo.
Yes -
- ne.
Grass -
- ngurko.
No - . -
- yakko, madlanna-
Tongue
Stomach
- tadlana.
-• moonto.
I
You -
Bark -
- ngai.
- na, nindo.
- (dry) bakka,
bokko.
Breasts
- ngammi, umme.
Thigh -
- yerko, mitti.
Good -
- mane.
Foot -
- tedna, tinna.
Bad -
- wakkenna.
Bone -
-
Sweet -
-
Blood -
- karro.
Food '
- mai (vegetable),
Skin -
- parpa, yurinda,
paru (animal).
maikundo.
Hungry
- taityo, taitchoo.
Fat -
- womga, kurkur-
Thirsty
-
la, mani.
Eat -
- mutandi, mai-
endi.
Bowels
- kudna.
Sleep -
- medo, menur-
Excrement -
- kudna.
nendi.
War-spear -
- winda.
Drink -
- narkone.
Reed-spear -
- kaya.
Walk -
- murreudi, mai-
Throwing-stick
- midla.
endi.
Shield -
- muUabakka.
See -
- nakkondi, nang-
andi.
Tomahawk -
-
Sit -
Canoe -
- bokka yoko.
Yesterday -
- bukkilyelo.
Sun -
- tindo.
To-day
-
Moon -
- piki, kakirra.
To-morrow -
- paningolo, tarka-
Star -
- purle, willo.
ryelo, yellar
karri,
the
Light - -
- gadlaieri.
Where are
Dark -
-
Blacks ?
Cold - -
- manyapaicenna,
I don't know
-
manya.
Plenty
- tauata
Heat -
- wortla.
Big - -
- tauara, parto.
Day -
-
Little -
- tukkutya.
Night -
- ngulti.
Dead -
- medobulti, kadi-
adli.
- boora-boora.
Fire -
Water
- gadla, peea.
- kauwe.
By-and-by -
Come on
- kawai.
Smoke
- puiyuoj-pooeyoo.
Milk -
- ngammi, ngarru,
Ground
- yerta,
ummingaroo.
Wind-
- warre.
Eaglehawk -
- weelto.
Eain -
- kuntoro.
Wild turkey
- wolta.
God - -
-
Wife -
- yangarra, um-
Ghosts
- towilla.
maiche.
152 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE
No. 69.— EVELYN CREEK.
By H. Crozieb, Esq., and Arthur Dbwhubst, Esq.
I AM informed by Mr. H. Crozier and Mr. Arthur Dewhurst,
surveyor, that the country inhabited by the Pono tribe may
be roughly described as bounded on the south by Bencannia
Lake, Telawonga and Kooningberri Ranges; on the east by
Yancannia; on the north by Dep6t Glen; and on the west
by Mount Arrowsmith. As several of these features do not
appear on the map, I am unable to draw the boundary
lines- of the Pono country with any approach to correctness.
Evidently, however, Evelyn Creek is the prominent feature
in the area in question.
The Pono people having been much reduced in numbers
of late years, it seems that many individuals from neigh-
bouring tribes which occupy less desirable country have
joined them, and so caused a great mixture of dialects. On
the whole, however, language and the prevalence of circum-
cision affiliate the Pono Blacks to the Cooper's Creek rather
than to the Darling tribes. The absence of the Darling
term Wimbija, and the presence of the Cooper's Creek term
Kurna, both meaning Blackfellom, are also very strong
evidence on this point. The practice of chewing pitcher ee.
exists in this tribe, and cannibalism in the past used occa-
sionally to be had recourse to.
EVELYN CREEK. 153
The country of the Pono forms a portion of the interior
traversed by Captain Sturt in 1845 and described in such
dismal colours as destined to be for ever uninhabitable by
civilized people. It was here that, living in an underground
room as a protection against the intense heat, his nails
ceased to grow; the hairs of his head split at the end; lucifer
matches dropped , from the hand, light of themselves on
reaching the ground, and so on ; and yet this country has
been found for several years to make good sheep-runs.
154
THE AUSTEALIAN RACE:
No. 69.— EVELYN CREEK.
By H. Crozieb, Esq.
Kangaroo -
- chukeroo.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum
- murlu.
2 Blacks -
- kuma munderu.
Tame dog -
- koonai.
3 Blacks -
- kurma baralkeru
Wild dog -
Emu -
Black duck -
Wood duck-
Pelican
- thirita.
- kurlithe.
- pundrewunga.
One -
Two -
Three -
Pour -
- koola.
- munderu.
- baralkeru.
- munderu-mun-
Laughing jackass
Native companion mulumpari.
Father
deru.
- kooma.
White cockatoo
- kugalurinya.
Mother
- ngumma.
Crow -
- kowulka.
Sister-Elder
- kanuberti.
Swan -
- kuteruk
,, Younger
- karee.
Egg - -
- kupi.
Brother-Elder
- kaku
Track of a foot
Fish -
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
Ply . -
- tina.
- kooia.
- muracuru.
- koonti.
- ulberu.
„ Young(
A young man
An old man
An old woman
A baby
3r neeyi.
- karuwurle.
- karu-karu.
- koorilpu.
- yalibuthe.
Snake -
- thuru.
A White man
- birre-birre.
The Blacks -
- yarlee.
Children
-
A Blaekfellow
- kuma.
Head -
- kukaminta.
A Black woman
- kumbuga.
Eye -
- mirlke.
Nose -
- minthe.
Ear ■ -
- kutcheras
EVELYN CREEK.
155
No. 69. — Evelyn Creek — continued.
Mouth
- muma.
Teeth -
- murua-thunthera'
Hair of the head
- kukawincha.
Beard -
- ngunka
Thunder -
- thuna.
Grass -
- kuntha.
Tongue
- thurU.
Stomach
- mundera.
Breasts
- ngumma.
Thigh
- ngura.
Foot -
- tina.
Bone -
- moko.
Blood -
- kurte.
Skin -
- ngunya.
Fat -
- murne.
Bowels
- kumangundere.
Excrement -
- koodna.
War-spear -
- birra.
Reed-spear -
-
Throwingstiak
-
Shield -
- puragu.
Tomahawk -
- nali.
Canoe -
-
Sun -
- uku.
Moon -
- pirtall.
Star -
- purle.
Light -
- dudthera.
Dark -
- tinka.
Cold ■
- muntha.
Heat
- nurtekurla.
Day -
- dudthera.
Night -
- tinka.
Fire -
- kurla.
Water
- ngapa.
Smoke
- moyu.
Ground
- nurte.
Wind -
- yurke.
Rain -
- koolpe.
God -
-
Ghosts
-
Boomerang -
- kira.
Hill -
- pumperu.
Wood -
- kurla.
Stone -
- kumu.
Camp -
- nginchera.
Yes -
- ngagu.
No -
- punni.
I
- nginyi.
You -
- yine.
Bark -
- ngonyia-ngonyia
Good -
- minko.
Bad -
- winu.
Sweet -
- minko.
Food -
- munu.
Hungry
purangu.
Thirsty
■ wirltunga.
Eat -
- thulinu.
Sleep -
- ngurwanu.
Drink -
- thapernii.
Walk -
- purlkanu.
See -
- thitthanu.
Sit -
- pula. .
Yesterday -
- kulginyie.
To-day
- kerreri.
To-morrow -
- koonigoonirri.
Where are
the noweraku?
Blacks 1
I don't know
- wertarie.
Plenty
- perriri.
Big -
- pirna.
Little -
- wakarraka.
Dead -
-
By-and-by -
- muta.
Come on
- kuba.
Milk -
- thunka.
Eaglehawk -
- kurrera.
Wild turkey
- kurlathura.
Wife -
- nongo.
156
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE
No. 69.— EVELYN CREEK.
By a. Dewhurst, Esq.
Kangaroo -
turlda.
Opossum
pUta.
Tame dog -
kunnuya.
WUd dog -
Emu -
kurlitchi.
Black duck -
kultappi.
Wood duck
Pelican
Laughing jackass
Native companior
puralko
White cockatoo
kilumburra
Crow -
kaulka.
Swan -
kutteroo.
Egg - -
kappi.
Track of a foot
tina.
Fish -
kuya
Lobster
Crayfish
umpurra.
Mosquito -
kunti.
Ply . .
ilburroo.
Snake -
turroo.
The Blacks -
yalli.
A Blaokfellow
A Black woman
kumbuka.
Nose -
minta.
Hand ■
murra.
2 Blacks -
3 Blacks -
One -
koola.
Two -
boola.
Three -
- barlgo.
Pour -
krundoo.
Father
kuTTima.
Mother
umma.
Sister-Elder
- karaloo.
„ Younger
- kalawarri.
Brother-Elder
■ karkoo.
„ Youngei
A young man
- kulta.
An old man
garroo-garroo
An old woman
- walgnnnuga.
A baby
- multa-bobbra
A White man
Children
- kurndoo, wal-
tanna.
Head -
- karkunta.
Eye -
- milparloo.
Ear -
- yuimerta.
EVELYN CREEK.
157
No. 69. — Evelyn Creek — continuel
Mouth
- tia.
Boomerang -
- wunna.
Teeth
-
Hill -
- yanda.
Hair of the head
- kakowunta.
Wood -
- wi.
Beard -
- unkurroo.
Stone -
- yunda.
Thunder -
- kulpi.
Camp
- ichurra.
Grass -
- muttoo.
Yes -
" kow.
Tongue
- tarlindi.
No -
Stomacli
- ayamuUa.
I - -
- uunjie.
Breasts
- numma.
Thigh -
- yaltarra.
You -
- yimba.
Foot -
- tinna.
Bark -
- bindarra.
Bone -
- mookoo.
Good - -
- minko.
Blood -
- karti.
Bad -
-
Skin -
- parlatta.
Sweet -
- taukoo.
Fat -
- mulni.
Pood -
- talata.
Bowels
- naimoola.
Hungry
- boorakinnia.
Excrement -
- goomana.
Thirsty
-
War-spear -
- kal-kurroo.
Bat -
- talindalto.
Reed-spear -
-
Sleep -
- unangi.
Woimnera -
-
Drink -
-
Shield
- gulgarra.
Walk -
- bulkarannia.
Tomahawk -
- karro.
See -
.
Canoe -
-
Sit -
- ninaduimia.
Sun -
- yookoo.
Yesterday -
- bokanni.
Moon -
- pitali.
To-day
- kaiio.
Star -
- purli.
Light -
.
To-morrow •
- pamyinga.
Dark -
-
Where are
Blacks '
the
Cold - -
- muuta.
JL^iVIV^^m •
Heat -
- nitiuUa.
I don't know
- narooringo.
Day -
- bookaninti.
Plenty
- gumdo.
Night - -
- neilba.
Big - -
- wilto
Fire -
- wi.
Little
- bumpata.
Water
• nappa.
Dead
- palino.
Smoke
- tooba.
By-and-by -
-
Ground
- nulti.
Come on
-
Wind -
- yarlto.
Milk -
- tarpunda.
Rain -
- kulpi.
Eaglehawk -
- purti.
God -
-
Wild turkey
- kaldura.
Ghosts
-
Wife -
-
158 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No 69a.— NEAE THE NORTH-WEST CORNER OF
NEW SOUTH WALES.
By A. W. Morton, Esq.
The following vocabulary and information concerning a
tribe wliicli dweUs between Lake Torrowotto, the southern
boundary of Queensland, and the country of the Pono
tribe, were kindly forwarded to me by Mr. A. W. Morton.
This gentleman gives Mulya-Napa as the name of the
tribe in question, which differs but little from that which
distinguishes the people which dwell on Lake Torrowotto.
The vocabularies of the two tribes, however, differ very con-
siderably. Napa it will be noticed means maUr, a word
of which signification enters into the names of many
Australian tribes.
Mr. Morton's communication is accompanied by several
valuable remarks by the Revd. William Webster in con-
nection with this tribe, which both language and customs
show does not belong to the Darling section of the Central
Division.
Mr. Morton relates that the country of this tribe was
first stocked in 1864, at which period the Mulya-Napa are
said to have numbered about 1,000 souls, but that when
he went to reside there in 1880 their numbers had fallen to
347 persons, ten of whom were half-castes. These people
have rugs, some made of opossum skins sewn together and
others consisting each of a single kangaroo skin. They wear
by way of ornaments small bunches of feathers in their hair,
also necklaces of reeds cut into short lengths, strung on a
vegetable thread. They have also large nets made from
grass for catching ducks, smooth stones for grinding nardoo
into flour, stone tomahawks and knives of chipped quartzite.
■On the march they carry water in bags, just as I have seen
done in the country immediately to the north of Swan HiU
in Victoria. For this purpose an opossum is skinned from
the head downwards, the hide coming off inside out, without
any further cutting of the skin except at the feet. The holes
NORTH-WEST CORNER OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 159
left are then tied up and the bag is ready for use, the far
being inside. The Mulya-Napa have boomerangs of both
sorts, the one which returns being called tikka-tikka and
the war instrument marna. Their spears, which are thrown
by hand, they tip with quartzite splinters, which are attached
with beef-wood gum. Their boomerangs and large clubs they
color with ochre. The Eevd. Mr. Webster remarks that on
occasions of corroboree the men paint stripes on their skins
with gypsum, or kopi as they call it. Their principal
articles of food are kangaroo, opossums, lizards, snakes,
ducks, crows, kites, and grubs ; also nardoo and portulacca.
In this tribe there are certain restrictions on food which
apply to the young males and women. Marks of small-pox
have not been observed. Cannibalism prevailed to some
extent at and prior to the period of our occupation, as the
people themselves acknowledge, the parts said to have been
eaten being the fat of the cheeks and thighs. That it was
really limited to these, however, there is no reason to
believe.
The persons of this tribe do not object to tell their
native names, of which Mr. Morton gives the following: —
Male: Pingali. Females: Pingeriba, Pundarnika, Boolura,
Bombiak, Moirguga, and Milpariche. Marriage occurs both
within and without the tribe. Polygamy prevails. Infan-
ticide accompanied by cannibalism is practised. The
stomachs and backs of this people are ornamented with
scars. The young males are admitted to the rights of
manhood by circumcision, and the majority of them have
to submit to the infliction of the terrible rite. Some of
the women have two front teeth removed from the upper
jaw. The septum of the nose is pierced, and a stick or
feather occasionally worn in the orifice. The doctor or
conjuror of the tribe carries about with him a small bag
which contains bones and other things. The leaves of a
plant called murradutta (supposed by Mr. Webster to be
pitcheree) are dried in the sun for chewing, and are said
to produce the same result as spirits. It is singular that
accounts of the effects of pitcheree are so uncertain, and
160
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
even contradictory. My own impression is that intoxication
does not follow its use. In some of tlie caves which, exist
in the country of this tribe painted figures of the out-
stretched human hand are found. At their corroborees the
performers tie small bunches of leaves round their ankles,
streak their chests and arms with kopi, and imitate the
actions of some of the native animals. Mr. Webster remarks
that in burying the dead they in some cases smear the corpse
as well as their own persons with kopi. Message-sticks are
in use. It is related by Mr. Morton that a man being Ul,
one of his friends placed a ligature round his own arm and
opened a vein ; that the sick man drank a quantity of the
blood which flowed from it, and then vomited.
In the vocabulary of this tribe, hill and stone are both
expressed by the word yanda.
No. 69a.— NEAR THE NORTH-WEST CORNER OP NEW
SOUTH WALES.
Kangaroo
Opossum
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu -
Black duck -
Wood duck
Pelican
Laughing jackass
Native companion
White cockatoo -
Crow -
Swan -
Egg -
Track of a foot -
Pish -
Lobster
Crayfish - , -
Mosquito -
Fly - - -
Snake -
The Blacks -
A Blaokfellow -
A Black woman' -
Nose -
By a. W.
talda.
pilta,
koonoo.
urlka.
koleti.
mungowri.
kunarli.
karbonera.
pooralko.
kuta.
kowerulko.
kuteru.
karpi.
tena.
kooa.
kutera.
koonte.
ulberu.
turu.
yarlye.
yarlye-oorra.
kumbukka.
minti.
MoETON, Esq.
Hand -
2 Blacks -
3 Blacks -
One -
Two -
Three -
Pour - - -
Father
Mother
Sister-Elder
,, Younger •
Brother-Elder -
, , Younger
A young man
An old man
An old woman -
A baby
A White man
Children
Head -
Eye -
Ear -
koola.
boola.
boolera-kulata.
boolera-boolera.
koomarde.
armunde.
piua karooloo.
pumpa karaloo.
koolta.
karoo.
pootoo.
purta.
too-too.
(black) pina pur
ta; (white) too
too purta.
kataminta.
milpa.
waimerta.
NORTH-WEST CORNER OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 161
No. 69a.— Neae the Nokth-west Corner of New South Wales—
continued.
Mouth
taryarre.
Boomerang -
- wana.
Teeth -
teeyer.
Hill -
- yanda.
Hair of the head
puntu.
Wood -
- tulu.
Beard -
ankuroo.
Stone -
- yanda.
Thunder -
■ urrukunda.
Camp -
- narohara.
Grass -
mutu.
Yes -
- ka.
Tongue
tarlunya.
No -
- error.
Stomach
tookookooloo.
I
- onye.
Breasts
- ama.
You -
- ene.
Thigh -
- munka.
Bark -
- parlata.
Foot -
- tina.
Good -
- minko.
Bone -
- moko.
Blood -
- kurte.
Bad -
- wyuoo.
Skin -
- parlata.
Sweet -
- kulkalaunya.
Fat -
- murni.
Food -
- purra.
Bowels
-
Hungry
- purra karkinda.
Excrement -
- kurna.
Thirsty
- ike-marri-urra.
War-spear -
- kalkoroo.
Eat - . -
- purra-perte.
Reed-spear -
-
Sleep -
■ meteru.
Wommera or
throwing-stiok
Drink -
- tapa-eta.
Shield
- kulgowra.
Walk -
- wolkutta.
Tomahawk -
- tarro.
See -
- tita-eta.
Canoe -
• pulturoo.
Sit -
- ninneroo.
Sun -
- yooko.
Yesterday -
- bokuimi.
Moon -
- petarli.
To-day
- poola-ookoo.
Star -
- purli.
To-morrow -
- pemye-inga.
Light -
- petri.
Where are
the wonda yarlye ?
Dark -
- owoo.
Blacks ?
Cold -
- munta.
I don't know
- wondi-ee-pa.
Heat -
- yooera.
Plenty
- nunka.
Day -
- kyoo.
Night -
- tinkai.
Big -
- pina.
Fbe -
- kulba.
Little -
- pumpa.
Water
- napa.
Dead -
- tootoo.
Smoke
- topoilla.
By-and-by -
- parooloo.
Ground
- murnde.
Come on
- kaba.
Wind - -
- yarto.
Milk -
- ama.
Rain -
- kulpi.
Eaglehawk -
- kurrawerra.
God -
.
Wild turkey
- kurlatora.
Ghosts
- pure.
Wife -
- kumbukka.
VOL. II.
L
BOOK THE SEVENTH.
I 2
BOOK THE SEVENTH.
PREFATORY REMARKS.
{The tribes treated of in this book belong by descent to the
Central Division.')
Many tribes have traditions concerning their origin. Two
instances of this have come to my knowledge in connection
with the branch of our aboriginal race which I have classed
as the Darling tribes. Both of them are interesting, and
supported by the evidence of language and manners. The
first to which I shall refer has been preserved by the tribes
which dweU on the banks of the Lower Darling, and was
placed on record by C. G. N. Lockhart, Esq., as he informs
me, when Commissioner of Crown Lands, in his Annual
Report to the Government of New South Wales, in 1852 or
1853. It is to the effect that in the far past a Blackfellow,
whose name I have not learnt, arrived on the banks of
the Darling, which was then uninhabited. He had with
him two wives, named Keelpara and Mookwara. These two
Eves of the Darling Adam, as Mr. Lockhart calls him,
bore their lord children, and in due time the sons of Mook-
wara took as wives the daughters of Keelpara, and their
children inherited Keelpara as their class-name ; and the
sons of Keelpara married the daughters of Mookwara, and
their children bore Mookwara as their class-name. Sub-
sequently these two classes were divided, the Keelparas into
Emus and Ducks, and the Mookwaras into Kangaroos and
Opossums or some other animal; and thenceforth a male of
the Emu class could not marry indiscriminately any girl
descended originally from Mookwara, but only such as be-
longed to the proper sub-class, and so on. And in this
way, tradition says, these original class-names and their
166 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
subdivisions have gone on regulating marriage amongst
the descendants of the Darling Adam for who shall say how-
many ages up to the present time.* What led the Darling
Adam to expatriate himself with his two wives can only be
conjectured, but the manners of the race render it probable
that he had either committed some crime which the usages of
his tribe punished with death, or what is more probable, that
he had stolen one or both of the partners of his flight, who
could only be kept possession of by the step he actually
took.
The second tradition to which I have referred belongs to
the Narrinyeri tribes, which dwell at and near the mouth of
the Murray, and is related in a work entitled The Folklore,
Manners, Customs, and Languages of the South Australia
Aborigines, edited hy the late Revd. George Taplin. At page
38, he says that a party, the members of which were the
progenitors of the Narrinyeri, originally came from the
Darling, having followed down that river and the Murray to
the sea. The other matters mentioned in this tradition do
not concern us at present, but will be referred to further on.
Of the correctness of these traditions I feel no doubt, for
I find in the country which I have mapped as belonging to
the Keelpara and Mookwara descended peoples just such a
state of things as I should expect to result from such causes.
As it would take a considerable period for the descendants
of one man and two women to increase in numbers so as to
people the country in which the Darling language now pre-
vails, and as after eventually coming in contact with the
outside population the position of the two bodies would long,
if not for ever, remain hostile, I should expect to find —
1st. That these long-isolated tribes would bear a common
name, or rather that they would have a common equivalent
* To this there is an exception on the Upper Darling, where the Darling
Blacks have come into contact with a border tribe of the Eastern Division.
This Darling tribe use the Eastern class names Hippi, Kumbo, &c., as
Mr. Teulon points out, which is one instance out of several of a tribe
relinquishing a custom, to take up one of a neighbouring tribe.
PREFATORY REMARKS. 167
for the term Blackfellow, for I have already pointed out in
, Chapter 2 that it is by means of this and one or two other
words that associated tribes mark their connection.
2nd. That these tribes, in lieu of a series of languages
differing every fifty or one hundred miles, as always happens
when the spread of the race has taken place in the normal
way, would speak a language almost unbroken by dialect;
because, being restricted on their marches by tribes speaking
languages different from theirs, and therefore hostile, to a
comparatively small area, a little world of theix own, com-
munication within it would be well kept up.
3rd. That this almost common language would differ
very considerably from those around it, but retain, neverthe-
less, some words by which the long-isolated tribes might be
traced to the section of the race from which their ancestors
had sprung.
4th. That some of the customs peculiar to that section
would have been preserved and others lost. And,
5th. That as war would, for a considerable period, be
unknown amongst the descendants of Keelpara and Mook-
warra, some falling off in the construction of weapons would
take place.
Now, taking these expected peculiarities, we find —
1st. That the Darling Blacks proper, that is omitting
the Narrinyeri branch, and their descendants have a common
term for Blackfellow peculiar to themselves.
2nd. That speech varies so little amongst the several
tribes that some of my correspondents are under the impres-
sion that there is but one language on the Darling.
3rd. That the languages of the Darling tribes differ so
much from all others (though they possess their full share
of the common Australian characteristics) that I had some
difficulty in tracing them to their source. On the other
hand, the absence of terms peculiar to the Eastern and
Western Divisions, and the following agreements with the
168
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE
languages of tlie Central Division, sliow them to have sprung
from that section of the Australian race : —
Table showing the Connection of the Languages of the Darling
Tribes with those of the Central Division.
English.
Darling
Languages
Languages of the Central Division North
and West ot the Darling.
Mother -
Water -
Amukka
Ngamukka -
Ngookoo
Nookoo
Umma
Namika -
Ngukka -
Nukka -
Evelyn Creek.
Mount Serle.
- Cooper's Creek.
Wilson River.
Rain
Mukkra
Ngappa -
Mukkra -
Kopperamaua.
Mount Remarkable.
Kangaroo
Thurlda
Thuldra -
Thaldra -
Wilson River.
Cooper's Creek.
Opossum
Dog - - -
Bilta -
KulHe -
Kallie
Pilta
Kadle -
- Common.
Yorke's Peninsula.
Native companion
Kooroolko -
Koolarkoo -
Pooralko
Puraiku -
Booralko -
■ Warburton River.
- West of Lake Eyre.
- Cooper's Creek.
One
Neecha
Nitcha -
Ninta -
- Macumba River,
Mosquito
Koondee
Koontee -
Koontee -
- Cooper's Creek.
- Warburton River.
Koontee -
- Lake Hope.
Ear - - -
Uri, ure
Euri
- Common.
Mouth -
Yelka -
Yikga -
- Mount Serle.
Yalla -
Yalla
- Umbertana.
Fire -
Kurla -
KuUa -
Kurda
Kalla -
- Gawler Range.
- Marachovie.
Boomerang -
Night -
Shield -
Wana -
Tunka -
Woolambora
Wanna -
Tinka
Woodlawarroo
- Beltana.
- Kopperamana.
Kartabiua.
4th. As regards the preservation of some customs and the
loss of others by the Darling tribes, Mr. Gason has recorded
that the Dieyeri to the north dig pits in connection with their
rain-making ceremonies, and Mr. Lockhart, in a letter to me,
mentions the same practice amongst the Darling Blacks;
PREFATORY REMARKS.
169
and, on the other hand, circumcision and the terrible rite,
which prevail to the north, and of which I shall speak pre-
sently, are not found on the Darling. Again, in connection
with weapons, we discover that few of the Darling tribes use
the wommera to this day, those which do, having no doubt
taken the practice from neighbouring tribes differently de-
scended from themselves.
We next come to tradition of the Narrinyeri, that their
ancestors descended the Darling and located themselves at and
near the mouth of the Murray. The first fact I shall adduce
in support of this tradition is, that the horrible mutilations
of the person common in the tribes near the Narrinyeri — that
is in the country around Adelaide, on the Gulf of St. Vincent,
Spencer's Gulf, &c. — are not practised by them, and that in
this they agree with the Darling tribes, as well as with the
whole of those which I have traced to Keelpara and Mook-
wara. Turning to language, we find that the Narrinyeri
have a few words found on the Darling, and even as far north
as Cooper's Creek, which do not exist amongst the tribes
which inhabit the country next to theirs but practise the
mutilations just referred to.* They are as follow : —
English.
Narrinyeri.
Darling.
Places North of the DarUng.
Water
Nguke-
Ngookoo -
Ngukka - Cooper's Creek.
Nukka - Wilson River.
Kangaroo -
Tulatyi
Tulta -
Thuldra - Wilson River.
Thaldara - Cooper's Creek.
Stone -
Marti -
.
Murda - Cooper's Creek.
Mosquito -
MoorooUee -
Muninnerie -
NoonaruUy Wilson River.
Stomach -
Mankoori -
Monda
Mandree - Warburton River.
Hence we see that the tradition of the Narrinyeri is sup-
ported by the absence of certain mutilations and the presence
of certain words prevalent on the Darling and to the north
* It is noticeable that Komi, or some other related "word, is the
equivalent of BlachfdUm in the Cooper's Creek, Adelaide, and Narrinyeri
tribes. It seems probable that the Darling Blacks used the same word
originally and relinquished it after the departure of the Narrinyeri.
170 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
of the country occupied by the Darling tribes, but non-
existent amongst the tribes adjacent to the Narrinyeri on
the north side of the embouchure of the Murray. These facts,
it seems to me, can only be explained by the acceptance .of
the tradition that the Narrinyeri are descended from the
Darling tribes.
Touching the Narrinyeri there are two circumstances
which lead me to think that at the period at which their
ancestors left the Darling and descended the Murray was but
a few generations after the arrival of Keelpara, Mookwara, and
their husband on that river. The first is, that had the exodus
occurred at a later period, we should probably find in the
Narrinyeri vocabulary a word or two which had come into
.existence on the Darling, and which of course would be
unknown on Cooper's Creek ; this, however, as far as I can
judge, is not the case. The second is that language shows
that the descendants of the Narrinyeri, gradually as they
increased, ascended the Murray, and kept on occupying the
land on its banks, until at length they met the Darling tribes
at or near Menindie. Of this the languages leave no doubt.
But had population on the Darling been numerous at the
time of the Narrinyeri exodus, the point of meeting would
have been lower down that river or on the Murray.
Another thing which we learn from the comparison of
languages is the territory which the decendants of Keel-
para and Mookwara eventually came to occupy. This will
be seen by reference to the map in Vol. IV., and may be
roughly described as extending from Lacepede Bay to the
mouth of the Murray, thence upwards along the banks
of that river to its junction with the Murrumbidgee and
Lachlan ; also from the junction of the Murray and Darling
to the junction of the Culgoa and Darling; from that point
north to about lat. 29°; thence west to the 141st degree
of longitude; and thence south to the Murray. Taking the
two traditions mentioned, facts derived from language, which
admit of no doubt, and the peculiarities of the tribes in the
east, west, and centre of the continent, minutely detailed in
PREFATORY REMARKS. 171
a former chapter, tlie principal circumstances connected
with the settlement of what I have called the Darling
tribes may be epitomized in this way: The husband of
Keelpara and Mookwara reached the Darling, having
travelled from Cooper's Creek, then but sparsely peopled,
or possibly from some water still further north. After a few
generations, a party of their descendants left the Darling, went
down the Murray to its mouth, and established themselves
there. These were the Narrinyeri, who, as they increased
in numbers, spread to Lacepede Bay, and also up the
Murray until they came in contact near Menindie with
the tribes from which their ancestors had separated several
generations before, and with a tribe of the Eastern Division
a little higher up the Murray than its junction with the
Darling.
But the reader wiU say, if the ancestors of the Darling
tribes came from the north, and not from the east, how
IS it that we find wanting amongst their decendants cir-
cumcision and that other mutilation so general in the north ?
In considering this question, we must remember • that the
Darling Adam marched a long distance through a country
more than semi-desert, and found himself entirely cut off
from the rest of his race. Being thus isolated with his
two wives, in country in which abundance of food must
have been easily procurable, there would be no reason to
induce him to follow customs, the objects of which were to
economize food by keeping down population, and to prevent
the young men from intriguing with the girls whom the
old men habitually monopolize as wives. Besides these,
mutilations are not inflicted by a father on his son, and they
often result in death, a loss to which a small party would
not be likely to expose itself; hence the first man who
dwelt on the Darling would have no object to serve by
inflicting the terrible rite or circumcision ; his children
would never have heard of them, and the practices would
naturally be lost. Had the party consisted of several men
with their wives, no doubt it would have been different.
172 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
From this account of the Darling tribes, a few facts of
interest which bear on the race at large come into view. It
exemplifies what I have before stated, that population was
sometimes spread by means of small parties, which marched
long distances into the wilderness, where they remained
isolated for a considerable time, and that out of such
beginnings especially grew associations of tribes and great
differences of language. Not less interesting is it to find
that it was in consequence of the flight of the Darling
Adam, and of his descendants spreading themselves to the
mouth of the Culgoa on one hand, and to the mouth of the
Murray on the other, that those horrible mutilations of the
person which prevail from the north coast, as far nearly
as Adelaide, were prevented from being carried further south.
In thus viewing the Darling tribes as a whole, I am
reminded of the incident already related", which led me some
twelve years back to take up the study of Australian
ethnology, as well as of the fact that, however much same-
ness there may be in the manners of our tribes, one never
contemplates any large section of the race, or compares the
languages of extensive areas, without being rewarded by the
discovery of some fact which throws a light on the general
history of the aboriginal of this continent, or in some cases
claims a page in the history of the human family at large.
NORTH-WEST OP THE BARRIER RANGE.
173
No. 70.— COUNTEY NOETH-WEST OF THE
BAERIER EANGE.
By Anonymous.
The following words, contributed anonymously, some of
wMcli correspond with those of the Common Vocabulary,
show that the tribe which uses them is of Darling descent: —
Kangaroo -
- tulta.
Yes -
- eh-eh.
Tame dog -
- kalli.
No -
- nanger.
Emu -
- kalati.
Good -
- kungella.
White cockatoo
- packoo.
Bad -
- meeka.
Crow -
- wako.
Neck -
- bumba.
Snake -
- tooroo.
Chest -
- kumunia, pc
Hand -
- murra.
doola.
Head -
- turtoo.
Back -
- tuma.
Hair of head
- hoolkee.
Arm -
- wankara.
Beard
- melka-bulkie.
Finger
- melinga.
Grasa
- murtoo.
Creek -
- pangil.
Thigh
- yalchara.
Plain -
- peecha.
Foot -
- tenola.
Waterhole
- tarkarooloo.
Fat -
- merni.
Eatable
- memo.
Tomahawk -
- koorka.
Gum-tree -
- bungoo.
Star -
- poorli.
Pine-tree -
- pinpa.
Fire -
- kooneka.
Sundown -
- yoko-upi-ana.
Water
- millyera.
Sunrise
- baapanannia.
Rain -
- wongaroo.
Midday sun
- moretinki.
174
THE AUSTRALIAI^ RACE:
No. 71.— OOUNTEY ABOUT SIXTY MILES NORTH-
WEST FEOM A POINT ON THE DARLING
MIDWAY BETWEEN MENINDIE AND WIL-
CANNIA.
By William Haines, Esq.
The object of inserting these iniperfect vocabularies is to
mark the country occupied by the Darling tribes, by which I
mean the descendants of Keelpara and Mookwara, and to
allow the reader to form his own opinions on the subject.
Kangaroo -
thulda.
Hand - - - murra.
Opossum
yerungee.
2 Blacks -
Tame dog -
3 Blacks -
Wild dog -
Emu -
thultee
One -
Black duck
Two -
Wood duck
Three -
Pelican
Four - - -
Laughing jackass
Father
Native companion
Mlother
White cockatoo -
^V-Lw Ul.Lv'X
Crow -
warko.
Sister-Elder
Swan -
,, Younger -
Egg - - -
Brother-Elder ■
Track of a foot -
yuppar.
„ Younger
Fish -
A young man
Lobster
An old man
Crayfish -
An old woman -
Mosquito -
A baby
Fly -
wongarra.
A White man
Snake
thoro.
The Blacks -
Children
A Blackfellow ■
wimbacha.
Head -
A Black woman -
wichoon.
Eye - - - may-kee
Nose -
mendolo.
Ear -
BETWEEN MBNINDIE AND WILCANNIA.
175
No. 71. — CouNTKT BETWEEN" Menindie ajtd Wilcannia — Continued
Mouth
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- undee.
Hill -
-
Hair of the head
- thurtolkee.
Wood-
- yerra.
Beard -
- warkowlkee.
Stone -
- kumoo.
Thunder
Camp -
- immarna.
Grass -
- moto.
Yes -
-
Tongue
- thurlunia.
No -
"
Stomach
- koomtoo.
I
- ingardarapa.
Breasts
- poona.
You -
- imba.
Thigh -
- karreka.
Bark -
-
Foot -
- thinna.
Good -
- pooleera.
Bone -
-
Bad -
- thuluka.
Blood -
-.
Sweet -
.
Skin -
-
Food -
,
Fat -
.
Bowels
Hungry
-
Excrement -
.
Thirsty
-
Bat
War-spear -
- karlkool.
Reed-spear -
_
Sleep -
- umbaba.
Wommera or
Drink -
-
throwing-stick
Walk -
-
Shield
- pimpa.
See -
Tomahawk -
- tharunia.
Sit -
■
Canoe
-
Yesterday -
-
Sun -
- yoko.
To-day
-
Moon -
- woyohuka.
To-morrow -
- kerankee.
Star -
- poortie.
Where are
the
Light -
-
Blacks ?
Dark -
-
I don't know
_
Cold - -
_
Heat -
- thurto.
Plenty
-
Day -
_
Big -
-
Night - -
-
Little -
-
Fire -
- koneeka.
Dead -
- pooree.
Water
- moko.
By-and-by -
-
Smoke
- pumdoo.
Come on
-
Ground
-
Milk - -
„
Wind -
_
Rain -
- mukurra.
Eaglehawk
-
God - -
v_
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
.
Wife -
176
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 72.— BOOLCOOMATTA.
By W. J. Lake Dix, Esq.
Me. Dix informs me tliat the Boolcoomatta Blacks, who
are evidently connected with those of the Darling, neither
circumcise nor practise the terrible rite. They caU the
tribes which circumcise Buerndoppa, and those which do
not Talara.
No. 72.— BOOLCOOMATTA.
Kangaroo -
kurloo.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum -
pilta.
2 Blacks -
_
Tame dog -
Wild dog - -
Emu - - -
Black duck
kalley.
kaltee.
3 Blacks -
One -
Two -
- koola.
- barkloo.
Wood duck
koonallee.
Three -
- barklarroo.
Pelican
Pour -
Laughing jackass
Father
- gumbja.
Native companion
White cockatoo -
Crow - - -
Swan - - -
wagoo.
Mother
Sister-Elder
„ Younger
- ami.
Egg -
berty.
Brother-Elder
Track of a foot -
„ Younger
Fish -
Lobster
Crayfish -
Mosquito -
Fly -
Snake -
wiugeroo.
A young man
An old man
An old woman
A baby
A White man
- thundukoa.
The Blacks -
weembabitcha.
Children
-
A Blackfellow -
Head -
- tartoo.
A Black woman -
koombutoha.
Eye - -
- megie.
Nose - - .
mendolo.
Ear -
- urie.
BOOLCOOMATTA.
177
No. 72. — BooLCOOMATTA — Continued.
Moutli
-
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- anndil.
HUl -
_
Hair of the hea^
- tartoo-hoopa.
Wood-
- yarra.
Beard -
- wauk-hoopa.
Stone -
- kumo.
Thunder -
- kurndoo.
Grass
«
Camp -
- yeppra.
Tongue
- tarelunia.
Yes -
- koo.
Stomach -
- karnunia.
No -
- mangee.
Breasts
- amma.
I
- appa.
Thigh -
- karraka.
You -
- imba.
Toot -
- didna.
Bark -
.
Bone -
-
Good -
- murracha.
Blood - -
-
Bad - -
- toolacka.
Skin -
- palta.
Sweet -
„
Fat -
- murnie.
Food -
_
Bowels
-
Hungry
- willcucca.
Excrement -
- koodna.
Thirsty
..
War-spear -
-
Eat -
- ditchua.
E«ed-spear.-
-
Wommera or
Sleep -
-
throwing-sticb
Drink -
- wiega.
Shield
-
Walk -
- parapa.
Tomahawk -
-
See -
- bimme.
Canoe -
-
Sit -
-
Sun -
- yookoo.
Yesterday -
-
Moon -
- piechyka.
To-day
-
Star - -
- booerlee.
To-morrow -
-
Light -
-
Where are
the
Dark -
- tunkem. .
Blacks?
Cold - -
- yackee.
I don't know
-
Heat -
- bookara.
Plenty
- wobo-wobo.
Day -
-
Big - -
- wortoo.
Night -
-
Little -
- berloo.
Fire -
- kudnicka.
Dead -
- bookalacha.
Water
- ookoo.
By-and-by -
- wouko-wouko
Smoke
-
Come on
-
Ground
_
Milk -
-
Wind-
_
Eain -
- mukkara.
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
_
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
-
1 Wife - -
■
VOL. II.
w
178 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 73.— TOEEOWOTTO.
By James A. Reid, Esq.
The following vocabulary and facts connected witli the
Milya-uppa tribe were kindly forwarded to me by Mr. James
A. Eeid:—
The Milya-uppa occupy the country within a radius of
about fifty miles from the centre of the Torrowotto Lake
or Swamp. The Whites settled there in 1862 or 1863,
the tribe at that time numbering some 200 souls. By
1872 the tribe had fallen to 150 persons, and in September,
1879, only about sixty remained, half of whom were under
fourteen years of age; besides, several of those included in
this number were Blacks from less desirable country, who
on the reduction of the Milya-uppa and the partial break-
down of old customs in the neighbourhood had made
Torrowotto their home.
The- Milya-uppa, whose country is extremely hot in
summer but frosty on winter nights, wear opossum-rugs.
They ornament the person (or used to do) with the usual
long scars, which, however, in their case are on the
stomach. They also wear necklaces of bones, and in deco-
rating for the corroboree paint the person with stripes of
pipe-clay, and stick the down of birds on to the back and
chest with blood, one of the men bleeding himself at the
elbow for the purpose.
Their tomahawks were of stone, of the common pattern,
ground to an edge. They had also the instrument general
in the continent, which is shaped like a chisel, but used
also as a knife. Besides these, there were nets for the
capture of ducks and emu, but not for fish, as Torrowotto
Swamp contained none, my informant says, until they were
introduced by the Whites. This tribe have also the boom-
erang and clubs and spears of various kinds. The wom-
mera is not used. Their shields were sometimes carved,
TOEROWOTTO. 179
the implement employed for that purpose being as usual
a bone. Kangaroo, emu, wild-fowl, nardoo, and pig-weed
(the two latter especially) were their chief articles of
food, and were cooked on the fire or in the ashes, ovens
not being used. Since the arrival of the Whites there
have been many changes in their ways of life and
customs.
Cannibalism existed amongst them, but the women
were forbidden to taste human flesh, as it was thought
to make them barren. They had no objection to tell
their names, as was the case with many tribes, and Mr.
Eeid gives the following as specimens : —
Poorpa.
Wamby.
Boolbelly.
Wilbooly.
Koonmelly.
Kathally.
Wately.
Women.
Yonga.
Piltery.
Koorlgoo'.
Neilthery.
Wooatoha.
Regarding marriage, my informant says, neither men
nor women married outside of the tribe. Polygamy pre-
vailed ; the tribe was divided into two classes, and no man
was allowed to marry a woman of his own class. Children
belonged to the class of the mother. Possibly the system
was more elaborate than Mr. Eeid was aware of. When
a woman had a baby (the former child being still young),
it was killed immediately after birth. This people did not
circumcise, though that practice was common in the
neighbourhood. They believed, says my informant, in the
existence of Grod, which I think doubtful, and that after
death they would be transformed into birds. They buried
their dead in the ground, and when the deceased had
been a warrior they cut one another's heads and let them
bleed on the corpse as it lay in the grave. When a man
had given another cause of complaint, custom required
that he should allow his head to be struck by the indi-
vidual offended till blood came. Message-sticks were in
180
THE AUSTRALIAN EACE :
use. After a long separation men used to hag on meeting.
The tribes whicli bound tbe Milya-uppa are the Ngurunta
on the west, the Momba on the south, those of the Paroo
on the east, and the Karengappa on the north.
For the cure of wounds, earth and in some cases
charcoal were applied as a plaster. Mr. Eeid also says
that water in which certain herbs had been steeped was
used as a laxative, but does not say whether this occurred
before the arrival of the Whites or not. For myself, I
never knew any uncivilized Black who took any heed of
the state of his bowels or believed. that it had anything
to do with health.
The equivalents of tongue, food, and eat are evidently
from one root.
No. 73.— TOEROWOTTO.
Kangaroo -
- tharlta.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum -
- yoranga.
2 Blacks -
-
Tame dog -
- kaltha.
3 Blacks -
.
Wild dog -
- poolkaga.
One -
- neecha.
Emu -
- kathie.
Two -
- barcoolo.
Black duck -
- ngalta.
- koormaly.
Wood duck -
Three -
- barcoolo neecha
Pelican
- thampano.
Pour -
- barcoolo-bar-
Laughing jackass (none).
coolo.
Native companion koorltho.
Father
- kumbidgi.
White cockatoo
- korkanda.
Mother
- homochi.
Crow -
- wakoo.
Sister-Elder
- cinchi.
Swan -
- youngooli.
,, Younger
- whirtooka.
Egg -
- birty.
Brother-Elder
- kogoi.
Track of a foot
- tiutha.
„ Young
er burlogi.
Fish^ -
Lobster
- (none).
A young man
- thumba.
An old man
- wirtoo.
Crayfish
Mosquito -
- kondie.
An old woman
- wirtoo oonbuca.
Ply .
- wingorlo.
A baby
- kichingo.
Snake
- thora.
A White man
- boree.
The Blacks -
- wimbiga.
Children -
-
A Blackfellow
- wimbiga.
Head -
- tarto.
A Black woman
- nongo.
Eye -
- mee-ee.
Nose -
- miudolo.
Ear -
- ure.
TORROWOTTO.
181
Mouth-
Teeth -
Hair of the head
Beard -
Thunder
Grass -
Tongue
Stomach
Thigh ■
Foot -
Bone -
Blood -
Skin -
Fat -
Bowels
Excrement -
War-spear -
Reed-spear -
Wouunera or
throwing-stick
Shield -
Tomahawk -
Canoe -
Sun -
Moon -
Star -
Light -
Dark -
Cold -
Heat -
Day ■
Night -
Fire -
Water -
Smoke
Ground
Wind -
Rain -
God -
Ghosts
No. 73,
yalla.
thande.
tartawoolka.
warkawoolka,
pimdi.
mootho.
tarlina.
koontoo,
ama.
karka.
tintha.
pima.
kandara.
paltha.
mume.
koomowa.
kooma.
karkooro.
uUumburra.
taronga.
yako.
bichirka.
poorly.
minkee.
tonka.
•ToBROwoTTo — continued.
Boomerang -
poohee.
bokara.
tonka.
koonaka,
nocho.
pomdo.
mumdy.
yartoo.
mukkara.
boree.
Hill -
- kanpo.
Wood -
- yara.
Stone -
- kano.
Camp -
- yatha.
Yes -
- kurry-kurry.
No ■
- natha.
I - -
- upa.
You -
- imba.
Bark -
- paltha.
Good -
- kamgilla.
Bad -
- toolaka.
Sweet -
-
Pood -
- thiala.
Hungry
-
Thirsty
- yarka.
Eat -
- tiala.
Sleep -
- boompopa.
Drink
- weohana.
Walk -
- parapoo.
See -
- pome.
Sit -
- ninga.
Yesterday -
- ellemo.
To-day
- kalpo.
To-morrow -
- wambama.
Where are 1
the winga wimbiga ?
Blacks ?
I don't know
- wingana.
Plenty
- woolurty.
Big -
- parooro.
Little -
- kichirloo.
Dead -
- tamboro.
By-and-by -
- kana.
Come on
- kowo.
Milk -
- ama.
Eaglehawk -
- billara.
Wild turkey
- thurlchega.
Wife -
- nongo.
182 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
1^0. 74.— THE LOWER PORTIOISrS OP THE PAROO
AND WARREGO RIVERS.
By G. Scbivenbr, Esq.
The dialects of the Lower Warrego and Lower Paroo, of
wliicli latter the attached vocabulary is a specimen, are
undoubtedly off-shoots of the Darling languages. From an
account of the Parooinge* tribe, which dwells on the lower
portion of the Paroo, given me by Mr. Q. Scrivener, I gather
as follows : —
When the Whites first occupied the Paroo country, in
1863, this tribe is thought to have numbered about 500
souls, but has fallen off considerably since. In cold weather,
the Parooinge wear opossum-rugs. They have boomerangs
of both sorts, but not the wommera, all spears being
thrown by hand. Their weapons generally are much carved
and painted. My informant notices that there are undoubted
signs of small-pox having visited this tribe about thirty
years ago, and that it is said to have half exterminated
it. This people object to tell their native names, but wUl
do so if pressed by a White man. Mr. Scrivener gives the
following: — Males: Okomine, Milta, and Bareo. Females:
Kutteri, Nambala, and Binjilla. Marriages, which are
chiefly made within the tribe, are regulated by classes,
which Mr. Scrivener calls Mukkwaroo and Kilparoo.
Widows are said to remain their own mistresses for a year,
after which they generally become the property of the best
fighting-man of the proper class. The girls become wives
whilst mere children and mothers at fourteen, and the old
custom was to kill the first-born by strangulation. At
* People of the Paroo.
PAROO AND WARREGO RIVERS. 183
present abortion is so prevalent tliat very few children are
reared. This is generally effected in Australia by pressing
on the stomach. It is a novelty found in this tribe, that the
usual ornamental scars are produced, not by incision, but by
the lighted stem of a burr, which is placed on the part and
allowed to burn into the skin. Neither circumcision nor the
terrible rite are practised. The septum of the nose is
pierced; and the rights of manhood are said to be conferred
at about fifteen years of age by knocking out two of the
upper front teeth. When rain is much needed, I am told
that the men pluck out their whiskers, bleed themselves,
and abstain from cohabitation with women for about ten
days. Pitcheree is not chewed by this tribe. Canoes are
not used, and fish are caught with nets only. Burials take
place immediately after death; graves are about four feet
deep, and over them is erected a little hut in which is placed
a vessel holding water, the ground being carefully swept
for a short distance round. The bearer of an important
communication from one party to another often carries a
message-stick with him, the notches and lines on which he
refers to whilst delivering his message. This custom, which
prevails from the north coast to the south, is a very curious
one. The reader has already been told that no Blackfellow
ever pretends to be able to understand a message from the
notched stick, but always looks upon it as confirmatory of
the message it accompanies. As early, perhaps, as 1844,
the Bangerang Blacks showed me sticks of the sort, and said
that they had used the Like from time immemorial, and that
they answered the purpose of the White man's writing.
Finding that none of them could read the lines and notches,
I rejected the whole story of their antiquity and general
prevalence, thinking them a mere imitation of our practice
of writing letters; and it was not until many years after
that I found I was wrong as regards their antiquity.
Whether the idea was brought with the first comers to
these shores or whether it originated in this continent I
know not. The extent to which it prevails in Australia, at
184
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
all events, shows the custom to be one of very ancient date,
so that, in either case, we find the savage mind originating
an idea which might develop into writing. Of hieroglyphics
I have found no trace.
No. 74.— THE LOWER PORTIONS OP THE PAROO AND
WARRBGO RIVERS.
By G. ScBivENBB, Esq.
Kangaroo -
- tulta.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum -
- wirrikoo, yar-
2 Blacks -
- barkoola wimbit
ingi.
cha
Tame dog -
- kuUi.
3 Blacks -
- barkoola itcha
Wild dog -
- bulkitcha.
wimbitcha.
Emu - - - kulti.
Black duck - - mingara.
Wood duck - - koonali.
Pelican - - booloooh.
Laughing jackass (none).
One -
Two •
Three -
Four -
- itcha.
- barkoola.
- barkoola itcha.
- barkoola-bar-
koola.
Native companion kooloorka.
White cockatoo - (none).
Crow - - - warkoo.
Swan - - - yoongooli.
Egg - - - birti.
Father
Mother
Sister-Elder
,, Younger
- kumbitcha.
- ummaka.
- wertooki.
- warticha.
Track of a foot
- tinna.
Brother-Elder
- karkuga.
Fish -
- namba.
„ Younger burluoha.
Lobster
.
A young man
- tumba.
Crayfish
Mosquito -
- koongoola.
- gundi.
An old man
An old woman
- dulbil.
- kooritcha.
Fly - -
Snake -
- wingero,
- dooroo.
A baby
A White man
- burloo.
- tundook, bori.
The Blacks -
- wimbitoha.
Children
- burloo-burloo.
A Blaokfellow
- marli (?)
Head -
- turtoo.
A Black woman
- noongoo.
Eye -
- mikki.
Nose ■
- mindoolo.
Ear -
- uri.
PABOO AND WARREGO RIVERS.
185
No. 74. — Lower Portions of the Paeoo and Wabrego Rivers — continued.
Mouth
- yulka.
Boomerang -
- wuna.
Teeth -
- ngundi.
Hill -
- unikkoo (?)
Hair of the heac
- turtoo bulki.
Wood -
- yerra.
Beard -
- waka bulki.
Stone -
- kurnoo.
Thunder -
- bumdi.
Camp -
- yeppera.
Grass -
- mootho.
Yes -
- ngu.
Tongue
- tarlinya.
No -
- ngater, ngarter-
Stomach
- kumunga.
berri.
Breasts
- ununa.
I-
- uppa.
Thigh ■
- yalko.
You -
- imba.
Foot -
- tinna.
Bark -
- pultha.
Bone -
- birna.
Good -
- mariga.
Blood -
- kamdera.
Bad -
- tulukka.
Skin -
- puttha.
Sweet -
- wartink.
Food -
- mewulk.
Fat -
- mumi.
Hungry
- wilka-wilka.
Bowels ;
- kitohakumunya.
Excrement -
- gooma.
Thirsty
- yerka.
Eat -
- tundel.
War-spear -
- karlkooro.
Sleep -
- immarela.
Reed-spear -
- (none).
Drink -
- wichal.
Thro wing-stick
- (none).
Walk -
- wommole.
Shield-
- ooloomburra.
See -
- bummy.
Tomahawk -
- turroin.
Sit
- arngle.
Canoe -
Sun -
- (none).
- ooko.
Yesterday -
- yillon.
Moon -
- bychook.
To-day
- kimbo.
Star -
- boorle.
To-morrow -
- wombin.
Light -
- meerinki.
Where are the
wimba wimbit-
Dark -
- malara.
Blacks?
cha?
Cold -
- mukoora, yeku.
I don't know
- winjarto.
Heat -
- bootohi.
Plenty
- oolirti.
Day -
- meerinki.
Big -
- wertoo.
Night -
- malara.
Little -
- kichalko.
Fire -
- wi, goonikka.
Dead -
- booka.
Water-
- ooko, noko.
By-and-by -
- kunni, bulyardo.
Smoke
- boomdoo.
Come on
- yoon berrip.
Ground
- mumdi.
Milk -
- unmialora.
Wind -
- yertoo.
Eaglehawk -
- boolyara.
Rain -
- mukkera.
Wild turkey
- dikkera.
God -
- koolerberri.
Wife -
- noongoo or
Ghosts
- bukkemberri.
taminyi.
186 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 75.— BOURKE, DARLING EIVER.
Bt Geevillb N. Teulon, Esq.
The following account of the Bahkunjy tribe and vocabulary
of its language bave been drawn up by Mr. Teulon, to whom
I am particularly under obligation for the great pains he has
expended on the matter. In one particular only do I differ
with my contributor, namely, as to the amount of frontage to
the Darling which he assigns to this tribe. This, accounts of
the neighbouring tribes show to have been less extensive. It
will be noticed that the Bahkunjy have as neighbours above
them on the Darling tribes which belong to the Eastern
Division, in which are found the class-names Kombo and
Hippi, and not Keelpara and Mookwara.
In my description of tribes it has been my custom to
reduce to a narrative form the replies received to my series
of printed Questions, but in this instance I shall insert
exactly Mr. Teulon's replies to my questions. The following
is an extract from the letter which accompanied that
gentleman's contribution: —
" In these vocabularies there are but few words that have
been suffered to pass without confirmation from at least one
entirely independent source. I trust, therefore, that errors
also are but few. The work of collecting information in the
present day from the Blacks of the Upper Darling is equally
trying to the patience and bewildering to the wits. The old
man retains a most indistinct remembrance of the long past,
and is suspicious of any raking of its ashes; while the man
in his prime, distracted between the two stools of the two
eras (willing to be communicative about that, were this
away), makes mistakes, is discovered, and resents discovery
by cutting off supplies. Moreover, the tribes are not sun-
dered as of old : the common misfortune has drawn them
BOURKE, DARLING RIVER. 187
together; consequently, tongues have become mixed, words
have become changed, or have fallen out of use or out of
memory, so that what one cannot confirm by reference to
one's own memory or recollection calls for many siftings
before any accepting. I have appended a vocabulary of
words and sentences. It contains nearly every word men-
tioned in the pages preceding it, besides other words. In
a note further on I shall give a list of words and their
counterparts — in sound, not in sense. There are several
compound words that follow the lead of these, and are
perhaps as innocent of meaning anything whatsoever in
connection with their apparent derivations as ludicrous
ventre-bleu itself, and its kin. Such are goorra-bootta (whirl-
wind— grey thunder!); yeulta-wulkka (vein — string of the
water-monster ! ! ) ; turtoo-woollee (doctor — hole in the
head ! ! !) ; &c. Moonnoo-moorra, to hum, means (if it has a
meaning) upper lip — to think; which may or may not mean
further — to hold the lip in a state of quiescence, which one
certainly does when humming? But — these extravagances
set aside — one finds in the Kornoo tongue, even at the
eleventh hour of now-a-days, words sufficiently sensible and
eloquent (those for God, morning star, evening star, mirage,
for example) to have entitled it to something beyond bare
Non omnis moriar, and to make one ask — If the shallows
can supply such 'inestimable stones,' what may not the deep
have held?"
188 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
Address — Alma Terrace, Ohapel-street, Bast St. Kilda.
Sir, Melbourne, 18 .
Allow me to bring under your notice tbat I bave been
engaged for several years in collecting for ethnological pur-
poses, and witb a view to publication, specimen vocabularies
of the aboriginal languages and dialects of this continent, of
which, as the result of the support which I have received
from the several Colonial Grovernments, stock-owners, police
magistrates, inspectors of police, and others, a very large
number are in my hands. In the course of my inquiries I
have, however, come to see how important it is for those who
interest themselves in such studies that correct and syste-
matic information on many matters connected with our
aboriginal race should be obtained before it is too late, and
from all parts of the continent. Under these circumstances,
and as my object is of a public rather than a personal nature,
I trust I shall be excused for the liberty I have taken in for-
warding to you copies of my Questions and Vocabulary, and
in begging for such information in connection with them as
you may have opportunity or leisure to communicate. In
order to avoid misconceptions, I may notice that it is not
anticipated that the gentlemen to whom these papers are sent
will in general be able to reply to the whole of my queries,
but that some will be able to give information on one point,
and some on another, and all on a few; and I may add that,
however meagre, the contribution will be received with
thanks.
Concerning the vocabulary, which is a very important
feature, experience has proved that four-fifths of the words,
at least, can be very quickly taken down with the aid of a
moderately intelligent Blackfellow. The aboriginal words
should be written very distinctly, and without using capital
letters, which are often very puzzling; and it should be borne
in mind that budgeree, bael, gin, lubra, &c., are not aboriginal
words, though they pass for such.
I am. Sir,
Your obedient servant,"
EDWARD M. CURE.
QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE ABORIGINES. 189
Questions Concerning the Aboeigines of Australia..
My questions to Teuton and his replies are as follow: —
1. What country does (or did) ttie tribe to which your
answers refer inhabit ? It is essential that this question
should be answered in such a way that the locality can
be set down on a map, approximately at least, and that
all your replies should have reference to this particular
tribe and to no other ?
1. The tribe inhabits both banks of the Darling from
about Bourke on the left bank to about Tilpa on the
right bank, a length, by road, of upwards of 100 miles.
Towards either limit the dialect shows itself affected by
other dialects ; but, indeed, one may question whether,
at the present time (1884), it is spoken unmixed any-
where, so whitewashed, so to speak, are the few Blacks
now to be seen, and of these so great is the proportion
of what would once have been regarded as Warregals, or
Tanqui (hostile persons).
2. What is the native name of the tribe ?
2. Bahktinjy.
3. In what year was their country first occupied by the
Whites ?
3. Probably about 1845.
4. What was the number of persons composing the tribe at
the time ?
4. Probably not fewer than 3,000.
5. In what year did you first reside on the country in
question ?
5. 1863.
6. How many did the tribe number in that year ?
6. Probably not fewer than 1,000.
7. How many does it number now ? If you can, please
specify the men, women, youth of both sexes, boys and
girls, at present composing the tribe.
7. Probably not more than 80 ; namely (say), 25 men,
35 women, 10 boys, 10 girls.
190 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
8. If there has been a decrease in numbers, to what do you
attribute it ?
8. There has been a decrease to . an extent scarcely-
short of annihilation (the majority of the remnant being
decrepit in the extreme), owing in part to the diseases
that accompany the White man ; in part to what must
almost ever be the result of putting " a piece of a new
garment upon an old."
9. Were there any old Blacks when first you knew the
tribe.
9. Yes.
10. As far as you can judge, what ages did the oldest ones
reach ?
10. Their looks were the looks of White men of 70
years.
11. Are there any old persons in the tribe now ?
11 Fully half of the adults remaining look old, but
the actually old are few.
12. Did they wear clothes before the coming of the Whites;
and, if so, what clothes ?
12. None, except the loin-net (weerlppa-pulkka) or
the fringed apron (weerlppa) supported by the loin-
line (weerlppa-weenya), the head-band (merry-merryja)
or the head-net (turtoo-weerlppa) ; and, in cold weather,
the skin-rug (kombee).
13. Do they wear any now ?
13. Yes; but never with grace, and seldom with a
good grace. This latter assertion is proven by the
alacrity with which they disrobe as soon as camp is
reached.
14. If they had no clothes, how did they manage on cold
nights, or when mosquitos, &c., were troublesome ?
14. Their fires warmed them; and the smoke of their
fires, aiding the fish-grease with which they daubed
their bodies, was potent to hold at bay the most blood-
seeking mosquito.
QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE ABORIGINES. 191
15. Do or did the men or women wear any ornaments of the
person, and what are they ?
15. The women wore the necklace (pernba-wulkka) ;
the men wore tufts of feathers in head-net or head-band;
both sexes wore the nose-stick (meundeeahrra).
16. Do they smear their persons with grease, red ochre, pipe-
clay, or other substances; and, if so, on what occasions ?
16. Grease, as being repulsive alike of insects and of
weather, was employed universally in place of clothing,
with the occasional admixture of red ochre (koottee)
and pipe-clay (ko-pajja). Red ochre was utilized also
as war-paint, pipe-clay as dance-paint. Pipe-clay,
moulded to the head, is still the mourner's head-dress.
17. What bags, nets, baskets, or other utensils had your
tribe in its natural state ?
17. Their principal utensils were the fish-net and
duck-net (mulkka), the fish-spear (tintee), the spade
(boppara), the yam-stick (werkka), the large wooden
bowl (yookooja), the small wooden bowl (yerra-koo-
rooka), the mat (pintooka), the basket (koorooka), the
little net (worroka), and the fly-switch (weerlppa). The
duck-net was very large, reaching from the one bank to
the other of the river, and to a height of many feet
above it. The process of duck-hunting was very simple.
Two Blacks would take charge of the out-stretched net,
and a third down-stream would disturb the ducks ;
which, thoroughly frightened, as they neared the net,
by the kite-like cries and missiles of the enemy about
it, would almost infallibly drop and become enclosed.
18. Have they any implements of stone, such as tomahawks
or flint knives ? "Were they ground smooth or only
chipped ? Please describe them.
18. The stone instruments used by these Blacks were
the tomahawk (durrinya), the chisels (mundooba and
mooUee), and the knife (yernda). These were all
ground smooth, not chipped. The head of the toma-
hawk was fixed to its handle by means of gum and
string.
192 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
19. What weapons have or had they ? Is the boomerang
used ? Does it return when thrown ? Do they throw
their spears with the hand or with the throwing-stick
(wommera) ? Are their weapons ornamented with carv-
ing, or colored with ochre, &c. ?
19. In addition to the common fish-spear, their spears,
available equally for fighting and for hunting, were at
least four, namely, goolleer, unbarbed; wirra-mirroty,
barbed on one side ; kulkaroo and nunndeebooka, barbed
on both sides. AU barbs were cut out of the wood, and
were not splinters of stone inserted in it. The barbs of
kulkaroo and mrra-wirroty were stout and short, those
of nunndeebooka were very fine and very long, and lay
parallel with their shaft ; nunndeebooka was used as a
fish-spear as well as for other purposes. The wommera
was unknown to the tribe ; so, probably, was the reed-
spear. Boomerangs were of two kinds — wonggee, which
would return; wonna, which would not return. Nullah-
nullahs, or clubs, also were two — koloroo, that for the
fray ; poonggoroo, that for the chase. Waddies (clubs)
were two — the rounded poondee, the flat mung-abuttaka.
Some of these weapons were ably employed in seconding
woolloomburra, the shield, in the work of defence. The
shield was invariably colored with red ochre; sometimes
it was carved ; then it would display alternate stripes of
red ochre and pipe-clay. Speaking of weapons, one is
specially justified in using the past tense. It may be
seen of no grandly-framed Wimbaja* now-a-days " quo
turbine torqueat hastam" no bird falls to the lesser
nullah-nullah, no stranger quails before the boomerang
returning. A broken boomerang here and there, a
battered unregarded shield, a toothless spear — these
are the " sole remaining " representatives of the not
despicable armoury that was. T^^qja fuit indeed.
20. With what implements do they make and carve their
weapons ?
20. With durrinya, mundooba, and yernda.
* Black man.
QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE ABORIGINES. 193
21. With, what do they cut open, skin, and divide animals
when killed ?
21. With the shell-knife (kahra),the emu-hone knife
(kulttee-pinna), and the kangaroo-bone knife (tultta-
pinna).
22. What are their principal articles of food ?
22. The seeds of nardoo (tundukka), of pig-weed
(toong-ara), &c., bruised and kneaded into a paste
(womppa) between flat stones (yeltta), and either
scooped up with the forefinger and advanced to the
mouth at this stage, or baked into a cake (bookala) ;
sow-thistle (bullumba), trefoil (poontta), pig-face (kahn-
bee), yam (koonpinya), gum (tunninya); eggs innumer-
able in their seasons; and of the animals under him,
every one, without exception, perhaps, from the kan-
garoo (tultta) to the pisant (moonnee).
23. How do they prepare their food ?
23. Most of the plants eaten by them, and a few of
the smaller animals, they ate raw. Meat they cast
whole or piecemeal into the fire, and little more than
singed it. The Wimbaja is conservative, and still prefers
his food thoroughly underdone.
24. Have they ovens ? What are they like ? How large are
they ? How are they used ?
25. Are there many of them ? Have any fallen into disuse ?
24. 25. Of old they used the oven (wong-a), a mere
hole in the ground, for the cooking of large game.
Having well heated it, they would place it in the carcase
to be cooked, and, having " topped-up " with a good
fire, sit awaiting patiently the kindred cries, nahtooko
(take it out !), putta-puttako (cut it up !). Ovens have
been out of use for very many years ; the existence,
therefore, of any of them in the present day is doubtful.
26. Have your tribe any restrictions with respect to food; if
so, what are they ?
26. Nowhere on the Darling do the Blacks recognize
any restrictions in regard of food, saving such as may
194 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
come of super-sufficiency within or of deficiency without.
(See 72.)
27. Had any of your tribe marks of small-pox when first
you knew them ? Were such marks strong or light ?
27. I can recollect but one Black having pock-marks,
which, in his case, could not be called light, although
less strong than those ordinarily seen on a White man's
skin. This Black answered to the name Shylock; and
certainly in his sinister features and furtive glances, and
subdued sullen bearing, one could trace little of the open,
hearty (I would say honest) expression that stamps the
Wimhaja in general.
28. Are any still alive with the marks ? How many, and of
what ages ?
28. AU answers to this question and to the half-dozen
following it were so conflicting as to be all but valueless.
I saw probably two-thirds of the Blacks, now living, of
the tribe, but not one, howsoever slightly, pock-marked;
on the other hand, I was informed that some having
marks are yet to be seen. The early explorers affirm
that the disease had plainly done its work before their
time, whereas the Blacks (many of them at least) main-
tain that the White man introduced it.
32. Did many of the tribe die of it ?
32. Yes.
38. What did they call small-pox ?
33. Mungga.
34. Did they bury those who died of it ?
34. Not known.
35. Are your Blacks cannibals ? Please mention the grounds
of your opinion or belief of this subject.
36. If they are cannibals, to what extent; and what are their
practices with respect to cannibalism ?
37. Please state any facts you know on the subject.
35. 36, 37. There appears to be no reason to suppose
that they were at any time cannibals. Until stock
littered their simple harvest, and dogs and horsemen
QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE ABORIGINES. 195
and fowling-pieces scared and thinned their lawful
furred and feathered prey, and the effeminacies bred of
apparel-wearing debarred them from fishing in the old
fashion that insured a hauling, not chanced a hooking,
they were abundantly supplied with food, and ex-
perienced, therefore, no provocation to a feast so gross
as the cannibal's.
38. Have your Blacks any objection to tell their native
names.
38. They hesitate, and in a manner so suspicious
that when at length they tender a name, one cannot
help doubting the genuineness of it. They always
show an extreme repugnance to hearing mentioned, as
to mentioning the name of one dead.
39. Please give me as many of their names as you are able,
distinguishing those of men and women, boys and
girls.
39. Men: Kahppo, Booldo, MnkkSrally, Mahrttm,
Ttin-gulyara., MathabSrin, Eeburry, Mtirroorry, KShbo-
reeka. Women: Ydomma, Melnma, GoorgoogoogS.,
Neelppee-bundtika, Murrinjara, Kahbobnjara, Niim-
moonjara. The children of the period (1884) affect
English names in toto.
BittolS-gooUee {i.e. moon-house) is the name of an
isolated hill, near the river, right bank, at about the
centre of the territory, on Dunlop Station. This hill is
marked in a map annexed to MitcheWs Expedition in
Eastern Australia.
Kttlkulkobeekareejee is the name of ,a creek at the
foot of Bittola-gooUee.
40. Have they any class-names ? "What are they ? To what
do they refer ?
41. Do your Blacks (or did they originally) marry women
of their own tribe or of some other tribe or tribes ?
40. 41. The tribe was divided into (I believe) only
two families, Kombo and Hippi ; any member of
the one of which might marry with any member of the
N2
196 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
other. The marriage of a Kombo with a Kombo, or of
a Hippi with a Hippi, constituted an offence against
law. Marriage out of the tribe, being a matter of vis,
commonly involved the summons ad arma.
42. Have any of the men more than one wife ? What pre
portion had more than one ?
42. A very small proportion had more than one wife,
probably none but a redoubtable warrior could compass
such an accession to his household, or, having com-
passed, sustain.
43. At what age do the males marry, and at. what age the
females ?
43. The males might marry at 19, the females at 13
or 14.
44. At what age do the females bear children ?
45. If the females marry out of the tribe, into which tribe
do they marry.
44. 45. I could get no answer to either of these
questions.
46. How do the men of your tribe obtain wives ?
46. A man wishing to marry a girl of his own tribe
expressed the wish to her parents, on whose application
a meeting of the tribe was called, where the banns, so
to speak, were published, and the girl was exhorted to
be a faithful wife. The meeting dissolved, bride and
bridegroom retired, as on their honeymoon, into other
parts, until the possible shrew had been duly tamed ;
they then returned, and if the inquiry put to the girl by
her mother as to whether she is happy could be answered
satisfactorily, the pair continued to live together ;
otherwise they separated — that is, the girl went home
[This answer must be taken " for what it is worth,"
as it was not confirmed. The most romantic part of it
is omitted.]
47. Have they any laws about marriage; and, if so, what ?
47. See 40, 41.
QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE ABORIGINES 197
48. What becomes of widows ?
48. A widow (boortooka) returned to her parents, but
might marry again if she willed. It was according to
rule that she should give preference to the brother, next
younger than him, of her deceased husband.
49. Do children belong to the father's tribe or the mother's?
49. Marriage was within the tribes. Children belong
to the mother's class.
50. On an average, how many children did each woman
bear ?
50. No answer obtainable to this question.
51. Is infanticide practised ? To what extent ? What is
the cause of the practice ? Are you aware whether it
prevailed before the coming of the Whites ?
51. The Blacks deny that infanticide was ever prac-
tised among them, but I can certainly recollect rumours
of it, and I distinctly remember the case of one babe-in-
arms which disappeared suddenly, " and nothing said."
I fancy that the crime rarely occurred unless a mother,
intolerably overburdened, found the poor thing an en-
cumbrance— as ourselves say. If the custom existed at
all, the coming of the Whites doubtless extended it, as
a half-caste child was seldom to be seen.
52. To what diseases are your Blacks subject; and of what
do they die ?
52. The most common aboriginal disease was that
still known by the name " giggle-giggle " (moorkka), a
form apparently of scrofula, arising from uncleanHness
and dearth of vegetable food. This disease showed itself
in whitish blotches, chiefly about the legs. The Blacks
died less, perhaps, of any specified disease than of that
mysterious inability (and uncarefalness too) to live, to
which those succumb who are (and have discovered that
they are) not " the fittest."
53. Do they raise scars on any part of the body by way of
ornamentation; if so, describe the process, the age at
which the operation is performed; the part of the body
198 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
on whicli the scars are raised, both as regards males and
females ?
53. On the back about the shoulders, on the outer
side of the biceps, on the breast, never about the legs:
they raised blisters that look like so many swollen
leeches laid in rows. Either moollee or kahra was used
in the operation, which took place before early youth
had passed. If much pain followed, iguana fat was
rubbed into the wounds; in any case they were bathed
with water. The same parts of the body female (plus
abdomen) were tattooed (scarred) as of the body male.
54. Do they circumcise ? With what object ? Do they
intermarry with tribes which do not circumcise ? Are
all the males circumcised ?
54. Circumcision is unknown.
55. Do they practise any other rite of the sort? If so,
describe it ?
55. No.
56. Do they knock out any of the front teeth? "Which teeth ?
At what age ? For what purpose ? How is it done ?
56. They knocked out the tooth, most fronting one,
of the upper jaw of every lad as he neared manhood.
None would account him man while full-mouthed. The
tooth was expelled by means of two pieces of stick
placed on each side of it (so as to form an obtuse angle
— tooth vertex), and struck alternately until it gave
way. (See 72.)
57. Do they pierce the septum of the nose, and wear a bone
or stick through it ?
67. A hole (yerra-wooUee) is made in the septum of
the nose, and a menndeeahrra is worn thrust through it.
58. Do they mutilate the body in any other way ?
58. No.
59. Are there any differences of customs between the cir-
cumcised and uncircumcised; if so, what are they ? Do
enmities exist between them ?
59. Circumcision is unknown.
QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE ABORIGINES, 199
60. Have they any religious belief ? Do they believe in an
Almighty Creator or Ruler ?
60. They believe in one God (Wahtta^noorinya), the
ample-handed maker and preserver of all things, but
have neither knowledge, nor desire for knowledge, of
him; nor does any man expect to see him, even should
his delighted soul attain to its star. Some assert that
they will exist after death as White men, the increasing
number of these and the decreasing numbers of them-
selves leading them not unnaturally to such conclusion;
others, that the evil one {Boorree) removes indiscrimi-
nately all souls, nobody knows whither.
61. Have they any superstitions; if so, what ?
61. They still cherish a superstitious belief in a pair
of snake-like water monsters {Neittee and Yeutta), en-
dowed not with huge teeth only, but also with a special
craving for the Wimbaja; also in Boorree, just men-
tioned, in whose despite, that the devoted camp may
escape, nature engages the curlew (willaroo) to sound
alarums from evening till morning; also, in a god of the
winds, one Pindee, author of thunder, who gathers the
clouds and (but sparingly) breaks them with a blow.
They hold, too, that the spirits (koylppa) of the departed
walk the earth after dark, and that the whisperings of
leaves, when all else is still, are the murmurs of ghostly
voices; nevertheless, they are not utterly averse from
moderate travel by night. In respect of death, they
somewhat illogically maintain (or maintained) that no
man can die a natural death except through the ill-
offices of an enemy, and that the manes of the dead
cannot be appeased until that enemy has been discovered
and despoiled of his kidney fat. This deed done, the
kopajja* of sorrow may be removed. The Bahkunjy
Blacks, Like most aborigines of regions subject to
drought, kept in pay, as an item of necessary furniture,
* Pipe-clay worn on the head as mourning. — E. M. C.
200 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
a rain-maker (boontairramukkra). The process by
whicb this man compelled the rain-clouds was to take
of bark one strip, to knead blood and kopajja into a
lump in it, and to deposit the mixture, sprinkled with
feathers and coated with mud, at the foot of any gum-
tree growing on the slope of a bank leading to water.
In seven days from that moment rain might be ex-
pected; in seven days, or more, it would assuredly fall.
62. Have they any account of the Creation, or of the Deluge,
or any traditions of the origin of their race ?
62. Yes ; but they plainly confuse their own traditions
with what they have heard of our beliefs. For example,
they speak of the Deluge as the big water that devoured
the White man.
63. Is pitcheree or any other narcotic or stimulant used by
your tribe; if so, how is it prepared and used; and what
are its effects ?
63. No aboriginal narcotic is known to the tribe; a
fact deplored by all to whom this question was put.
64. Have your Blacks any crests or totems? What are
they ? To what do they refer ?
65. Do your Blacks use signs instead of words ? To what
extent, and what particulars can you state ?
66. Did your Blacks draw or paint in their wild state ?
64. 65, 66. To these three questions the answers were
invariably No, but I feel inclined to believe that, except-
ing so far as painting is concerned, they were false. I
do not think that the Blacks painted, there being no
caves and but few rocks in the territory.
67. Describe the canoes used by your tribe ?
67. The canoes of this tribe were the gum-canoe
(koombahla-booltaroo) and the box-canoe (koorkooroo-
booltaroo). They were made of bark, somewhat
"bowed" at either end, where would be placed a lump
of clay as supplementary prora or puppis, and were
propelled by a long pole (werkka), pulled with long
firm strokes. The sides were kept apart by sticks
QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE ABORIGINES. 201
(yerkaka), laid thwartwise, abaft and forward of a third
lump of clay (koony-kahn-go, or fire-place). More of
this very handy clay was used for caulking, should any
fissure occur.
68. How do they kill kangaroo and emu ?
68. By surrounding them, and narrowing the circle
until poondee and poonggoroo could be used to advan-
tage. Or by noosing. The animal in this case was his
own doomster.
69. Do they procure fish ? With nets, spears, or hooks ? If
with hooks, describe them.
69. They both speared fish and netted them. Hooks
were unrecognized as expedient until the more straight-
laced days of the era of apparel-wearing. Net-fishing
was the work of two Blacks, who grasping, each of
them, a pole of the net, would swim hither and thither
for a few minutes, and finally bring up against some
gently shelwng bank, or on some shallow.
70. Can you give me any information concerning their
corroborees ?
70. I remember little more myself of their corroborees
beyond the facts that the chief bones (in front) of each
performer were marked out, skeleton fashion, with
kopajja* that his knees and ank s were fringed with
gum-leaves, and that daring a part of the performance
he would sweep the air above the ground, rhythmically
from side to side, with bunches of green leaves, making
the while with his mouth a hissing sound, as though in
imitation of that made by the leaves; and that the
gins, and very old men, and little children, who formed
the appreciative audience, kept up a sing-song accom-
paniment, and beat time; the females by thumping
their opossum-rugs, folded into pads, and the males by
clashing their boomeranges together as cymbals. Per-
haps the most striking feature of such corroborees as I
witnessed was the ever-recurring transformation scene ;
* Pipe-clay.
202 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
backs would be suddenly turned to one, and lo I " the
coUied night"; faces, and presto! an array of gesticulat-
ing, or leaping, or quivering skeletons. The Blacks of
the present day are singularly reticent touching all their
ceremonies — will not, indeed, refer to them in the pre-
sence of a gin (who generally manages to continue
present); and of the many names supplied to me of
their various corroborees I could substantiate none, save
one — mahnee.
71. What is the average height of the men; also of the
women? Describe their hair. Are their any cripples
or Albinos ?
7 1 . The men average in height about five feet and seven
inches ; the women are, in proportion, somewhat taller.
The hair of the Blacks is black and strong and straight;
heads even partially bald are rarities. I never heard
of either cripple or Albino.
72. Do they make the youth into young men? At what
age ? With what ceremonies ?
72. The lad (kornoondoo) became the pree-adult
(wilyahng-o), and thence the adult (tummba), at the
age of about eighteen years. Six weeks or so before
the day on which the ceremony of his initiation had
been appointed to take place he retired from the camp,
preceded by an old man, and following by cuttings of
bark flung at him by his youngest brother, or other
boy, the women lying perdues behind a screen of boughs,
erected lest any of them, seeing the direction taken,
should curiously attempt to follow it. The old man
conducted him to some secluded spot, where or where-
abouts he remained, without communication with any
but his possible fellows in probation, and without fire,
until recalled. Food was brought to him daily by an
elder (sole exception to the rule just cited), from whom
at length he would learn of his promotion to the estate
of wilyahng-o ; whereupon, for a period of three days, he
would fast. On the third day of the three the closing
QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE ABORIGINES. 203
ceremonies — the expulsion of the tooth, and whatever
might pertain to that ordeal — took place ; and these
were followed by a corroboree, in which, as being then
tummba, he was permitted to make one.
73. How do they dispose of their dead? Describe their
funeral ceremonies, if any. Have they any form of
mourning?
73. They bury their dead beyond highest flood-mark
in the soft, easily-worked sand of the red sandhills.
Nowhere, perhaps, may be met more face to face than
at the funeral of a Black that touch which makes the
whole world kin. The procession in twos or threes, for
fellowship's sake ; the hanging of heads, and the
wringing of hands ; the wailings in camp, on route,
and at the grave's mouth, that come plainly from no
hired lips ; the carefully swathed body ; the carefully
swept holy ground containing it ; the green leaves
(flowers being none) laid under it and over it; the green
boughs protecting it, all testify to recognition of the
fact that a member has been taken, and that the
members suffer and prize the worth of the lacked and
lost. Nor may any sound be heard more plaintive,
hardly more musical, than the varied intonations of
the mourners, as each raises his or her peculiar cry of
relationship: — KSh-koo-jai-S^f^ — Alas, my brother!
Wimba-rai-a-ray — Alas, my child ! Wah-pa^nyai-a-ray
— Alas, my child's child ! . . . . On one occasion
I was present at a burial, when the widower* (as the
chief mourner chanced to be) leapt into the grave, and,
holding his hair apart with the fingers of both hands,
received from another Black, who had leapt after him,
* The bereaved man's name was Towney. Towney was a chatty
pleasant little " nugget" of a fellow, who, if one might judge him by his
self-contained fearless manner, and by the fact of the presence of a bullet
in his neck, had not held back from doing his part versus the invader. He
went to Bourke shortly after the death of his gin, and was made tracker
there; and when, through an accident, he died some years ago he received
the honor of a public funeral.
204 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
a smart blow with a boomerang on the " parting." A
strong jet of blood followed. The widower then per-
formed the same duty by his comrade. This transaction
took place, I fancy, on the bed of leaves, before the
corpse had been deposited. I may add that, wlule
walking lately (1884) on the other side of the river
from Bourke, I came across a recently-made grave,
about three and a half feet by two feet, swept and
levelled, and bordered with pieces of round wood.
Twenty pieces of kopajja, each of the shape and size of
an emu egg, long drawn out at the ends, covered most
of the space enclosed, while at the grave's head lay a
much larger piece, and globular, that had apparently
been worn. Quite a gunyah (hut) of boughs shadowed
this grave.
74. What are the causes of their wars? How are they
carried on ?
74. The ordinary origin of a war between two tribes
of Blacks was the offence of gin-stealing ; the tribe of
the intruding Black being aggressor, in case of their
kinsman's death; the other tribe should he have escaped.
Not that the word war in its extended sense applies
to what would actually occur; there would be a few
duels, and, perhaps, a m^lde, in which, by reason of
the address of the combatants, not a life in all like-
lihood would pay forfeit; and then two ancients, one
from each army, would step to the front, and exchange
. peaceful words, an example anon followed generally.
The Wimbaja does not foster for long alta mente
repostum, what we call bitterness and wrath — may be
he is too indolent to do so, and, perforce, therefore,
too indolent to prosecute a war.
75. How are disputes vrithin the tribe settled?
75. The settlement of disputes within the tribe was
left to a conclave of old men, who, having heard both
parties, would do their best to bring about a recon-
ciliation. Failing in such endeavour, they would con-
QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE ABORIGINES. 205
sent to the breaking of the peace which they had
found themselves powerless to make. Nothing more
serious, though, than a duel, and that, possibly, all
but bloodless, might be expected; worse threatening,
the kindly services of the old men would be again
brought into play. The will and pleasure of these
ancients (only form of government in the tribe) seems
to have consisted largely of deprecation, but little of
dictation, and to have been conveyed ever with a view
to the rest and quietness of the community.
76. It has been said that messages are sent from one tribe
to another by figures painted on bark or cut on sticks ;
will you give me your experience on the subject?
76. I have been told that, in the event of the loan
of a net being required of another tribe, a waddy (club)
having the image of a net scratched or carved on its
nob, would be despatched thither; and that bark, too,
was used as a means of communication.
77. Have they any mode of salutation amongst themselves,
such as shaking hands, &c.
77. Two men, not necessarily related but friendly,
when meeting, would salute by standing side by side,
and casting, each of them, his nearer arm round his
fellow's neck, with the greeting kahmbeeja or bahlooja
(father or younger brother), according to the age of the
addressed.
78. What was the extent of country which belonged to the
tribe ?
78. About 100 miles, as the crow flies, of river front-
age. The extent of back country was probably unde-
termined, the act of trespass among such people as
Australian aborigines being ordinarily the meeting
anywhere of two ahen companies.
79. Name the tribes with whom their boundaries conjoin.
79. The adjoining tribe, up the river, is BurrunbinyS.
That down the river is Nullttlgo. That back of left
bank (Mulga country) is Nyammba. That back of
206 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
right bank (towards Warrego) is Kahtegftlly. That
back of right bank (towards Paroo) is Bahrunjy. The
tribe Wahmbunjy comes next above the tribe Btirrfim-
binya; the tribe Tungga next below NuUulgo.
80. Have your Blacks any masonic signs ?
80. I never heard of any.
81. Have the Blacks any Government, or council of old
men ? If so, please give full information.
81. See 75.
82. Does the native bee exist on your run ? What is their
economy ? What are they like ? Do they swarm ?
What is the weight of their comb, and quality of their
honey ? Can they do without water ?
82. The native bee (tintee-noorra) did formerly exist
on the run. It was slim and stingless. It needed
water. The honey made by it was both pleasant to the
taste and fragrant, but wanting in clearness untU
strained. I do not know whether native bees were
given to swarm, nor yet what was commonly the weight
of their comb. Here and there about the clayey front-
age of the Darling grows a low small-leaved running
plant (mummalarooka), which secretes a tenacious
milky juice. With a speck of this juice (honey being
required) a tiny piece of down would be attached to a
bee's back (the bee having been caught while settled),
and serve not only to retard the flight of the insect, but
also to aid the eyesight of the Black pursuing.
83. Have your Blacks any cures for sickness ? How do
they treat wounds ?
83. Except in the case of some mysterious disease
calling for " treatment," when the doctor (turtoo-
wooUee) would beat and sweep with leaves the air and
the ground about his patient, knead him with knuckles,
mutter over him, and eventually gladden him with
sight of a stone or piece of wood as causa morbi, the
remedies applied by the Blacks accorded very closely
with nature ; the severest flesh-wound (beingga), for
QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE ABORIGINES. 207
instance, being merely sucked, and tlien poulticed with
a poultice of earth, or of chewed green leaves, or of
bruised bark; while for the most badly-fractured bone
(yahkoUojy-pinna) nothing more than splints of bark
and comparative rest would be considered necessary A
man suffering from rheumatism (gahn-gala) would con-
tent himself with a poultice of boiled* marsh mallow
(perndeecha). To remove a headache (turtoo-meeka),
he would dive repeatedly, or hold the head over a fire of
green twigs, or apply hot to it smoked green leaves, or,
the pain in it becoming extreme, bandage it with a strij)
of green opossum skins; sandy-blight (meeky-koUala)
and swelling-blight (tillunggoonna), he would cure with
the juice of the pig-face, when this was to be obtained.
Cold water within for a fever (koUala); cold water
within and the heat of a fire without for a cold (koon-
dinya), cold water both within and without for indiges-
tion (koonto-meeka), are other examples of the simple
" course " adopted aforetime by the Wimbaja. His
alleged philosophic prescription for snake-bite, however,
is open to question. If the snake's harmless, no
remedy will be needed ; if he's not harmless, none wiU
avail.
* I fancy that before the arrival of the Whites boiling was unknown
to the Darling tribes.— B. M. C.
208
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 75.— BOURKE, DARLING RIVER.
By Grbnville N. TEULOif, Esq.
Kangaroo -
- tultta.
Hand -
- murrS,.
Opossum -
- yarinjy.
2 Blacks -
- booUa wimbaja
Tame dog -
- multtara.
3 Blacks -
- booUa-neecha
Wild dog -
- poolkgja.
wimbaja.
Emu -
- kulttee.
Black duck -
- ming-ara.
One -
- neecha.
Wood duck-
- koonahly.
Two -
- booUa.
Pelican
- booleeja.
Three -
- boolla-neecha.
Laughing jackass kOrrookahkahka.
Four -
booUa-booUa.
Native companion goolSrkoo.
Father
- kahmbSeja.
White cockatoo
- kollybooka.
Mother
- nUmmahka.
Crow -
- wahkoo.
Sister-Elder
- wahttooka.
Swan -
- yoon-go-lee.
,, Younger
- wahttegja.
Egg - -
- p6rtee-gull6.
Brother-Elder
- kahkooja.
Track of a foot
- tinna.
,, Younger bahlooja.
Fish -
- (nogeneralname).
A young man
- tummba.
Lobster
- (not known).
An old man
- mertta.
Crayfish
- koon-gooloo.
Mosquito -
- koondee.
An old woman
- nahnggO.
Fly -
.
A baby
- ki-chttngga.
Snake -
.
A White man
- tundooka.
The Blacks -
- wimbaja.
Children
- berloo-berloo.
A Blackfellow
- wimbaja.
Head -
- turtoo.
A Black woman
- burrtlkka.
Eye -
- meeky.
Nose -
- pulkka-pinna.
Ear -
- eilrree.
BOURKE, DARLING RIVER.
209
No.
75. — BouRKE, Darling River — crnitinued.
Month
- yelka.
Boomerang -
- wonn§,.
Teeth -
- nunndSe.
Hill -
- bol6.
Hair of the head
- tiirtSo-wooIkky.
Wood -
- yerra.
Beard -
- wokka-woolkky.
Stone -
- gibba.
Thunder
- bootta.
Camp -
- yuppara.
Grass -
- moottS.
Yes -
- marrayta.
Tongue
- tuUSenna.
No -
- nahttS,.
Stomach
- koontS,
Me -
- ahppa.
Breasts
- poonna.
You -
- imba.
Thigh -
- mungka.
Bark -
- tulkfiroo.
Foot -
- tinna.
Good - -
- giinjillla.
Bone -
- pinna.
Bad -
- tooUaka.
Blood -
- kondara.
Sweet -
- gunjillla.
Skin -
- pultta.
Food -
Fat -
- munn6e.
Hungry
- wilkahka.
Bowels
- koonna-wulkka-
wulkka.
Thirsty
- yerlkka.
Excrement ■
- koonna.
Eat -
- ti-ee.
War-spear -
- kulkaroo.
Sleep -
- 6-margala.
Reed-apear -
-
Drink -
- toonjala.
Throwing-stiok
-
Walk -
- wong-a.
Shield -
- woolloombttrra.
See -
- bonimSS.
Tomahawk -
- wokkaka.
Sit -
- neengga.
Cauoe -
- booltaroo.
Yesterday -
- iUahgS.
Sun -
- mengkeeiillO.
To-day
- keilppS.
Moon -
- bi-chooka.
To-morrow -
- wahmbeenya.
Star -
- booUSS.
Where are
;he weendya wim
Light -
- mengkfeS.
Blacks?
baja.
Dark -
- wongka.
I don't know
- weendyah-n-no
Cold -
- yerkkee.
Plenty
- noollada.
Heat -
Day -
- boyttyee.
- yiikS.
Big -
- koombaja.
Night -
- toongka.
Little -
- kelch61k6.
Fu-e -
- koonyka.
Dead -
- bookka.
Water-
- uo-kk8.
By-and-by -
- pooly-ahtta.
Smoke
- poondoo.
Come on
- yo-thahnSS.
Ground
- mundee.
MUk -
- nummaloo.
Wind-
- yerttS.
Rain -
- mtikkra.
Eaglehawk -
- bil-yahra.
God -
- wahtta-noorinya.
WUd turkey
- tikkara.
Ghosts
- koylppa.
Wife -
- koombahka.
VOL. II.
0
210
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 75. — Additionai Wokds.
The long mark and the short mark are employed in this vocabulary, not
only to insure, as far as possible, with the help of the hyphen, a correct
pronunciation, but also to indicate the exact number of syllables in a word.
In a compound word, the place of the long mark depends generally, as with
ourselves, on the context : turtoo-woolkky, for instance, stands in contra;
distinction to wokka-woolkky; turtoo-woolkky, to turtoo-pinna.
Soft c or « does not exist in the tongue ; for hard c, I have used h, aa
being unmistakable; j for soft g; ee for long e; ay for a, as in baby
ah for a, as in father; a elsewhere is as the one or the other of the two
vowels in manna. The softer consonants are often preferred to the harder
— ^ to b, t to d, and, now and then, Ic to g. Double consonants have been
constantly employed, even where a single consonant may seem enough (pp
in mulppa, nn and kk in noonntoolkko, e.g.). The cause of this is the great
emphasis which the Wimbaja lays on some one particular syllable, or two,
of almost every word spoken by him, an emphasis so great at times as to
convert into a mere by-the-way the portion left without emphasis. The
emphasis is most apparent if the word be of two syllables, in which case he
favors the penultimate, no ultimate being lengthened except in order to the
strengthening of an exclamation.
Pronounce al, all, as in valley;
uU, as in gully;
th, as in thought;
arr. err, irr, orr, urr, respectively, as in barrow, ferry, mirror, sorrow.
Southern Cross — Mirrabooka.
Alpha, Southern Cross — N8r-ry-
aldy.
Pointers — KoUybSoka (i.e,, cocka-
toos).
MUky way — P6rr6-wo-th6.
Orion — Toolorlaja (the Wimbaja).
Pleiades — Burlti-ch6 (the Bur.
rukka).
Hyades — Poondool6 (poondoo,
cloud).
Meteor — Bahnggala.
Comet — Nulppa.
Heat — Boyttyee, bookahra.
Cold — YerkkSe, koylySe.
Rain — Mukkra.
Water— N5-kk6, guUinggS (cf.,
gully, gvki; gurgle,
gurgulio), milydry
God — Wahtta, noorinya(ie.. He of
the right hand).
Heaven, sky — KOrobbyna.
Sun— Mengkeealle, yukOiilW.
I.Ioon — Tlntiinny, bittSla, bi-chooka
(i.e., white).
Star — BooUee.
Morning twilight, sunrise — Wahm-
bee.
Evening twilight, sunset — Kahlkka.
Day, light— Mengk6e, yuk6.
Night, darkness — Toongka, wongka.
Morning star — Wahmbeg-booU^,
wOngkahloo (i.e., that
which darkness
brings). *
Evening star — M6ngkaimairny (i.e. ,
that which daylight
brings). *
*Mark the original beauty of these two conceptions.
BOURSE, DARLING RIVER.
211
No. 75. — Additional
Drop of water — Tttrtoo-darS.
Bubbles— NuUdya-nttUdya.
Rainbow — Mfindunbara,.
Clouds (various) — NinndS,, poondoo,
koolarSo, taung-ara.
Lightning — Ktilla-koonyka, berla.
Thunder — Bootta (cf., boyttyee),
pindee.
Wind— Yertt6.
Whirlwind — GoorrS-bootta, yen-
dltnya.
North wind — KoUy -willy.
South wind — Bukkin-ySrttO.
East wind — ^Tow-arra.
West wind— Ko-ly-grttO.
Sunlight— BeinbSkka (?of., bokka,
leaf).
Shade, shadow — Koylppara (cf.,
koylppa, soul, ghost,
and Umbra), mor-r6.
Land, ground — MundSe.
Mirage (water on ground) — Tool-
laka-no-kk6, (i.e., false
water).
Mirage ("gin and water")— Boy-
ty6e-mungk6-mungk6,
(i.e., heat, blinking).
Hail— Werloo.
Dew— Keltta.
Hoar frost — Bahnggara.
Ice — Nelleeng-flrra.
Fog — Poondoo-poondoo (i.e., smoke
and smoke, or smoke
of smokes ; so our " red
red." Cf. poondoo,
cloud, and also nebula,
Mud— Bulla.
River — Parkka.
Bank— Mendda.
Point — Mertfee.
Bend — Tookktlrra.
Reach — BBppumba.
WoKDS — continued.
Ford- Kahnba.
Reef — KernnO.
Island — Poolppft.
Flood— Toolppa.
Wave — Koolaroo (? of. koolaroo,
cloud).
Current — Kahneenya.
Eddy— Mirrttnya.
Water returning by bank-side —
Nermoo.
Creek — Kulppa, dalyy.
Ana-branchT — Daiyy-vulkka.
Waterhole — KahkSoroo.
Lagoon — Bee-ree.
Rain-water pool — Moolttinya.
Pool left by flood — Yembtinya, no-
kkO-mtilia, thanaka-
roo.
Wet ground — Tukka.
Ground of such a wetness that the
feet sink in it — ^Ydo-
larSO.
Ground of such a wetness that water
lies on it — Poing-aroo.
Rut left by flood— Pulkkary.
Fissure left by flood — Yelkky. t
Hollow, hole — Meengga, wooUee.
Sand— Temna.
Hill— BooUa, bolS.
Sandhill— Temna-bo611a.
Mountain — MukkO.
Open country — PuUara (cf. puUara,
flame, whereby coun-
try is made open; and
puUara, bald).
Scrub country — Mulppa.
Plain — Boolkka.
Dust — Boottara.
Gum-tree — Koombahla. (Is it by a
chance or by a conceit
that maiden also ia
koombahla?* " ATha
ligustra, * Vaccinia
nigra!")
• Other doubles are— Ternna (sand, back) ; booUa (hill, two) ; multtara (tame dog
feather) ; merry (brow, very) ; mungko (lower arm, to wink) ; geerra (coimtry, quickly)
wong-a (oven, to walk); hulkka (string, to kill).
t See mtmth, page 209.— B. M. C.
02
212
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
No. 75. — Additional Words — continihed.
Box- tree — Koorkooroo.
Saltbush (gigas) — Bahlaka.
Cotton-bush — ^Noorpoorooj &.
Polygonum (p. junoeum) — Ween-
dda.
" Roly-poly"— Kahnaia.
Sowthistle — (" warregal cabbage ")
btillitmba.
Trefoil — Poontta.
Pigface — Kahnbee.
Nardoo— Ttindukka (? cf. tukka).
Pig-weed — Toong-ara.
Yam — Koonpinya.
Mushroom — BooUee (cf. our star-
wort, starfish).
Marshmallow — PerndSSch^.
Bee-plant — Ntimmalarookka (num-
maloo, milk).
Native spinach — K611atyla-muimo6.
Cress — Bahnacha.
Cowslip — Kooroonggooroo.
Lily — Bahlahmbahthara (pronounce
th as in this).
Native pear* — Kaht:01a.
Sturt's pea — ^Meekyliika, goolSlkoo.
Toadstool— B6611ee-wee-ra (cf . mush-
room), belttee.
Herbages— Borddee.
Grass — MoottS.
Root — Pulyara.
Sap — Yoong-a.
Trunk — Tahree (cf. tahreenya, per-
pendicular).
Bark — Pultta (i.e., skin; cf. pelt,
pellis), tulkeroo.
Bough — Woota-yfirra.
Branch — Wol-y6rra.
Leaf — Bokka.
Blossom, flower — WindSo.
Seeds — ^Ding-y-dlng-y, pahppa.
Gum — Tunninya.
Honeycomb — KuUoo.
Honey — ^Wahrahna.
Opossum hole — Piintfin^.
Kangaroo — Tultta.
Wallaby — Murrinya.
Kangaroo-rat — ^Wong-ar68.
Tame cat — Maroon-baroo.
Tame dog — Multtara.
Wild dog— Poolkgja.
Bandicoot — Poolk6ny5.
Rat— PoolkO.
Mouse — Mung-5.
Opossum — ^Ya-Vinjy, worrfibooka.
Emu — KulttSe.
Curlew — Willar56.
Native companion — GoolSrkoo.
Swan — Yoongolee .
Turkey— Tikkara.
Pelican — BoolSSja.
Eaglehawk — Bilyahra.
Kite — Goorkka.
Crow — Wahkoo.
Sulphur -crested cockatoo — KoUy-
booka.
Tricolor-crested - cockatoo (Lead-
beater's) — Kahgoola-
rinya.
Rose-breasted cockatoo — KiUitmba.
Black cockatoo — Pinnya-koUyja,
teeahro.
Parroquet — Killiinggoonya.
Laughing jackMS — Korrookah-
kahka, takkooka.
Morepork — Woopooga, noorrkoon-
ya.
Black duck — ^Ming-ara.
Wood duck — Koonahly.
Teal — Kooltapa.
Squatter pigeon — Bahndee-wootta.
Crested pigeon — -GooliimbtLlla.
Speckled dove (g. ouneata) — Kor-
woSthoo.
Magpie-lark — Koolootaroo.
* Not the wooden frait commonly known under this name, but a rind of moderate
hardness and thickness, containing a mass of soft spun glass-like fibre, encased in a coat
of bright green scales.
BOURKE, DARLESra RIVER.
213
No. 75. — Additionai. Wobds — continued.
Swallow — Nmebytmby.
Wagtail — Tirry-girryka (cf. mota-
cilia).
Hornet — ^Windyady.
Bee — TintSS-noorra.
Butterfly-^Billtibyleukka (of. pa^
pilio, schmetterling,
farfaUa, mari/posa).
Mosquito — KoondSe (? cf. koonnee,
sting).
Blow-fly — KootrOty.
March-fly — Pimp6ry.
Eye-fly — ^Wing-oroo, mo-kay.
Sand-fly — Neelee-ooppyka.
Ants (various) — Kulk6ry, pint&etSe,
beeptinbtllla,, memda,
moonnSe, mlpparoo.
White ant — Thunninya.
Grasshopper — ^Nahrooka, bendSe.
White grub — ^Mi-chungga.
Centipede — Kelkka, eurrygarttkka.
Tarantula^Mmramarakka ("The
spider taketh hold with
her haTids ").
Scorpion — Kahlee-koonda,ra (" They
had tails like unto
scorpions ").
Louse — Noolltto.
Snakes (various) — ^Meetindy, dahn-
goo, moondara,, mul-
kgry (or tooroo).
Iguana — Tarkooloo.
Lizard — ^Yendooroo.
Worm — lUandooroo.
Tortoise— Boomalabooka.
Frog— Buubtilla (bulla, mud).
Crayfish — Koon-gooloo.
Mussel — lUeSja.
Cockle — Bokkojjara.
Periwinkle — Meemeejary.
Fishes (various) — Tahpooroo, pung-
ara, nahmba, ytlm-
mahja, kdonbahlee,
pemdoo.
Fur — Poolkky (in composition, soft-
ened to woolkky).
Tail — Kooudara.
Claw — Mellinya (naU).
Beak — ^MoounSo (upper lip).
Wing — Wunyge (upper arm).
Feather— Multtara, poolkky.
Down — Poolppa, poolkky.
Egg— Pgrt^-gtillO.
Nipper — ^Nimnd^ (tooth).
Sting^ — Koonnee.
Soul, ghost — Koylppa.
Body — Mahnba.
Bone — Pinna.
Hair — Poolkky.
Head — Turtoo.
Hair of head — Tiirtoo woolkky.
Hair at back of head — Bomby-
woolkky.
Skull — Tiirtoo-pinna.
Brains — Tiirtoo-nummalSo (i.e., head
milk).
Forehead — Beekkoo.
Brow — Merry.
Eyebrow — M6rry-woolkky, meeng.
a- woolkky.
Eye — Meeky.
Eyelid — ^MSeky-bo-la.
Eyelash — MSSky -woolkky.
Tears— Nahkka.
Nose — Pulkka-pinna ( ? cf . pulkka,
string ).
Nostril — Menndamtillo.
Ear — ^Eurr6e (of. auris, oiie ; also,
avKij, arip).
Upper lip — Moonnoo.
Hair of upper lip — MoonndS-
woolkky.
Lower lip — Meemee.
Hair of lower lip — Meemee,
woolkky.
Tooth — Nunnd66.
Gums — ^NunndSe-bahndee .
Tongue — Tulleenna.
Saliva — ^NuUtcha.
Cheek — ^NuUSe.
Chin — ^Wokka.
Beard, whiskers — ^Wfikka-woolkky.
214
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 75. — Additional
Throat— YelkkS.
Neck — Pernba.
Gullet — Koon-gim-giirra (of. gul-
linggo, water).
CoUar-bone^Bimbary.
Breast — PoondSlo.
Breast — {i.e., uber) — pooima.
Nipple — ^Numma (cf. mooimoo and
meemee, and also
mamma).
Milk — Numnial55.
Rib — Tirra-kSeky-pinna.
Heart — Borloo.
Lungs — Thulkka.
Belly, stomach — Koont6.
Naval — Winggoo.
Liver — Tung-gtinya.
Dung — Koonna. *
Bowels — Koonna- wulkka-wiilkka
(pulkka, string... ,...)•
Kidneys — ^Yeerltto.
Urine — Tippara.
Shoulder — Kultta.
Shoulder-blade^Nellee-pinna,
Back — ^Ternna.
Backbone — T6rnna-pinna.
Hip — Tingka.
Upper arm — WunySe, turtee.
Biceps — Weingkara.
Elbow^ — KoopO.
Lower arm^ — Mungk6.
Hand — Murra.
Wrist — Werttft-mttrra («.e,, the heel
of the hand).
Palm — KoohtS-mtirra (i.e., the belly
of the hand; " the hol-
low of his hand." Cf.
alveus, ahius).
Words — continiied.
Fingers — (first and secondf) — No-
kkakoo-mahmbiinya.
Fingers — (third and fourthj), fourth
finger — Nulkkee-
mttrra.
Thumb — Koondahmahka.
Nail— Mellinya.
Thigh-joint — Bilkinny.
Upper leg — Mungka.
Knee— Dlnggy.
Lower leg — Yelkkb, dindd8.
CaU— Yelkk6rrS.
Shin — Dindoo-pinna.
Ankle — Menggoonya.
Foot — Tinna.
Heel— Wertta.
Sole — KoontS-tinna {i.e., the belly
of the foot).
Toe — Merloo.
Big toe — ^Weetyoo.
Skin— Pultta.
Perspiration — Kung-ara.
Vein — Yentta-wttlkka (pulkka,
string ).
Blood — Kondara.
Fat, marrow — MunnSg (e.g.,
yeerltto-munnee, kid-
ney fat ; mungka-mun-
nee, leg-marrow).
Small-pox — Mungga.
" Giggle-giggle. "§ — Moorkka.
Fever — Kollala.
Sandy blight — Meeky-koUala {i.e.,
the fevered eye) ;
meeky-kondara {i.e.,
the bloodshot eye).
* Note the series of which this word is head and front — Koong^ungurra, koonto,
koonna-wullska-WTillcka, koondara, koonnee.
t To the best of my rememberance, all Blacks, when drinking', flirted the water into
their mouths with these two fingers (the third may have been included) of the right hand;
and the women, when net making, employed as mesh-frarae the same fingers of the left
hand; hence, doubtless, the conjoining of them as above. Likely enough, too, they
formed the paint brush of the artist— in-kopajjar— when adorning a comrade tor the
corroboree.
t It is an interesting fact that the subordinate place in all ages allotted to the third
finger should have obtained among these Blacks, toio divisi orbe as they were.
§ The eruptive disorder common amongst our Blacks is, I think, meant by this word.—
.M. C.
BOURKE, DARLING RIVER.
215
No. 75. — Additional Words — continued.
Swelling blight — TlUtlnggooima.
Rheumatism — Gahn-gala.
Flesh woimd, scar of wound — Being-
ga.
Broken bone — YahkSUojy-piima.
Cramp — Menteeja.
Indigestion — Koont6-m§eka.
Headache — Turtoo mSeka.
A cold — Koondinya.
A boil — MentSo.
White man — Tundooka.
Black man, Black men — Wimbaja.
Black woman — Burrtikka.
Black women — Burrabartlkka.*
Old man, head man — Mertta.
Old woman — NahnggQ, Koombahka
Husband — Mahlee, nooundaja.
Wife — NahnggO, Koombahka.
Father — KahmbSeja.
Mother — NummShka (numma ; of.
maman, mamma.)
Son, daughter — WimbarS.
"Our mutual child." — (Expression
used by either parent
to the other when
speaking of one of the
children of the family)
— Wimbara-n-ulleenna
Elder brother — Kahkooja.
Younger brother — Bahlooja.
Elder sister — Wahttooka.
Younger sister — WahttSeja.
Father's brother — KahmbSeja (i.e.,
father).
Father's sister — ^Nummooja.
Mother's brother — Wahkaja.
Mother'ssister — Nahllooja.
Nephew, niece — Gain-gSoja.
Cousia (male) — Kahkooja {i.e., elder
. brother. )t
Cousin (female) — Wahttooka (i.e.,
elder sister.^
Father's father — ^Mahtaja.
Father's mother — Meetooja.
Mother's father — Nahttaja.
Mother's mother — Gahneeja.
Grandchild — ^Wahpa-nya.
Father-in-law (to the husband) —
Wahkaja (i.e., mother's
brother).
Mother-in-law (to the husband) —
Nahllooja {i.e.,
mother's sister. )t
Son-in-law — GaSn-gooja (i.e.,
nephew).
Father-in-law (to the wife) —
Kahmb^eja (i.e., fa-
ther's brother) .t
Mother-in-law (to the wife) —
Nummooja (i. e., fa-
ther's sister. )t
Daughter-in-law — Gain-g66ja (i.e.,
niece.)+
Baby — Ki-chiingga.
Twins — Boollama.
Child— Berloo.
Children — Berloo-berloo.
His (mother's husband's, i.e.) fa-
ther's boy — Mahlee-
bSrloo.
Her (father's wife's, i.e.) mother's
girl — ^Nahnggo-bgrloo.
Lad, youth — Kornoondoo.
Lass, maiden — Koombahla.
Young man, immediately before ini-
tiation— ^Wilyahng-6. J
Young man, after initiation —
Tummba.
Widower — Yerkkeeja(?of.yerkkee).
Widow — Boortooka.
Orphan- Wtilkinya.
Rainmaker — Boon-tair-ra-mukkra.
Doctor — Tiirtoo-woollee.
Manslayer — Bulkka-bSokka.
* The plural, by reduplication of some sort, appears to be the chief, if not the sole, form
of plural in the language.
t Theae are only auggeationa founded on analogy.
} See page 119.— E, M, 0,
216
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
No. 75. — Adbitional
Country (regio, patria) — Geerra. ■
News — Pulkkoo.
Corroboree — MahnSe.
Fight — Goo-rmya.
Mll^e — NooUada-goorinya.
Duel — Barkooloo-goorinya.
Devil — Boorr^.
God of the winds — Pindee (whence
piudee, thunder).
Monsters of the waters — Yeutta,
nHtt6e.
Burial - ground — MundSg-mundfee
(i.e., ground and
ground, or the ground
of grounds, i.e., God's
Acre).
Grave — Toonggahra (see toong-g-
ahty,* to bury; and cf .
sepulchrv/m, sepelire).
Well— Keetcha.
Road — Yengka.
Track (i.e., "spoor") — Tinna (so
Kurd voSag, on the
tracks).
Stone — Gibba.
Wood — Yerra.
Fire — Koonyka.
Fireplace — Koony-kahu-gG.
Flame — PuUara.
Sparks — Teewee.
Smoke — Poondoo, poondooma.
Charcoal — Nekkee.
Ashes — pulppa.
Bread — Munnoo.
Meat— Wongga.
Paste of seeds — Womppa.
Cake of seeds — Bookala.
Flat stones, wherewith to bruise
seeds — Yeltta.
Oven — ^Wong-a ( ? of wong-aroo,
kangaroo-rat).
Break-wind — Kahtrotoo.
Sun-shade — Tahng-ftroo.
Words— continued.
Camp — Yuppara.
Aboriginal hut — Goollee.
Ridge-piece— Yerkaka (i.e., y-gool-
lee).
Front upright — Meenggooka.
Rafter — noo-ahkka.
String, cord — Pulkka (sometimes
hardened to bulkka,
sometimes softened to
wulkka).
Canoe — Booltaroo.
Canoe-pole — werkka (i.e., b-
werkka).
Canoe-cord — Wahw6ry-wiilkka.
Thwart-stick — Yerkaka.
Net — mulkka.
Fish-spear — Tintee.
Spears — (2-barbed) — kiilkaroo,
nunndSe-booka.
Spear (1-barbed) — Wirra-wirrOty.
Spear (unbarbed) — GooUeer.
Shield — WooUoombtirra.
War boomerang — Wonua.
Returning boomerang — Wonggee.
Large club — Ko-lo-roo.
Small club — poonggOroo.
Club of another sort — Poondee.
Club (flat)— Mttng-a-buttaka.
Tomakawk — Wokkaka, pirrambo-
na.
Stone tomahawk — DOrrinya.
Spade — Boppara.
Yam-stick — Werkka.
Stone chisels — Mundooba, mooUSe.
Stone knife — ^Yernda.
Shell knife — Kahra.
Bone knife — Tultta-pinna, kulttee-
pinna.
Stick, with which tooth is expelled
— YentoorSS. t
Punch, for " giggle-giggle " — Poon-
goota.
Red ochre— KootteS.
* As a rule, noun, verb, and adjective, and occasionally adverb, are the same word
exactly.
t The Blacks open the innumerable pimples which arise from this disorder with a little
pointed stick.— E. M. C.
BOURKB. DARLING RIVER.
217
No. 75. — Additional Wob,t>s— continued.
"Pipe-clay" (sulphate of lime) —
Ko-pajja.
Wooden bowl (large) — Yookooja.
Wooden bowl (small; wherein to
heat water) — ^Y6rra-
koorooka.
Mat — Pintooka.
Basket — Koorooka.
Net (small, for odds and ends) —
Worroka.
Rug — Komb6e.
Fringed apron — Weerlppa.
Loin-line, supporting it — ^W^rlppa-
weenya.
Loin-net (for bracing the body) —
Weerlppa-pulkka.
Fly-switch — ^Weerlppa (i.e., e.g.,
wingoroo-weerlppa).
Nose-stick — M6und6gahtla {i.e.,
mexmdamullo-yerra ;
i.e., nostril-stick).
Head-band — M6rry-merryja.
Head-net — Ttirtoo-weerlppa.
Feathers in tufts {e.g., emu-feathers)
placed therein — KuU-
tSe-woolkky.
Necklace — Pemba-wtilkka.
Hole in septum of nose — ^YSrra-
woollee.
Ornamental scars — Ningka.
Gap in front teeth — Bing-o-lo6.
Hat — Ttirtoo-paroo.
Good— Gunjalkka, gunjttUa, b61-
leerra.*
Bad— TooUaka, tooUaktilly.
Fat — Noorree.
Old— To-tayly.
Truthful — Marrayta.
Untruthful — Tan-g56ja.
Hot — B^tyee.
Cold — YerkkeS, bundSSng-iilla.
Tall, lofty — B6o-rijjary-turt66 {i.e.,
head afar), turtoolaja.
Big — Koombaja.
Little— Kelch61k6.
Perpendicular — TahreenyS,.
Horizontal — ^Eeppa.
Right-handed, using the right hand
— Ndo-rinya.
Left-handed, using the left hand —
Yanggooja.
Using both hands, ambidexterous —
Mullttk-mulltik-noo-
rinya.
Angry — KooUa.
Ill — Meeka, meekaja.
White — Bi-chooka.
Black — Kerkreeka.
Red — Nahllkeeka.
Blue — Ko-kr§gka.
Green — Noonbaraka.
Hungry — ^Wilkahka.
Thirsty— Yerlkka.
Empty — ^Dikkiilla.
Lame — Poolkka.
Grey — Goorra.
Blind — Wontooja.
Bald — PuUara.
Deaf — ^Nahppaja (? cf . n-ahppa, 'tis I:
i.e., 'tis only I; the
compulsorily unsoci-
able; pass on).
Dumb — Mitndting-ingga.
Insane— Ttirto6-wulkkat(?cf.bulkka,
to kill ; or pulkka,
string . . . .).
Dead — ^Bookka.
To Hear, to understand — Tulleetee
fshows how aflfined in
the wimbaja are ivg
and vovg).
SmeU — B6-ootta.
* These three words (which are adverbs also) may be joined indifferently with any
noun or pronoun that is to be favorably qualified, the occasion supplying the full sense
intended. They stand, therefore, for grood, sweet, new, &c. TooUaka and toollakully^ in
like manner, answer to our bad, lazy, quarrelsome, &c.
t See page 213, turtoo woolkky = hair of the head.—E. M. C.
218
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE
No. 75. — Additional Woeds — continued.
To See — Bommee.
Summon by whistling — ^Koyl-
ppee (?cf. koylppa).
Call by name — Kulppra.
Fetch— WottOla^.
Seize forcibly — ^Noo-rinya (noo-
rinya, as verb or as ad-
verb, takes the long
mark - on the first
syllable).
Tattoo — Wahmma, bahtSa.
Kiss — Moonnoo-inja (moonnoo).
Tickle — Noonnda-noonndiinda
(cf. kinda-kindunda,
the event of noonnda
noonndunda).
Pinch — BeettS.
Stroke — Toinbomba.
Strike — Pertta.
Kill— Bulkka (cf. bookka).
Bury — Toonggahty.
Breathe, to sigh — Tow-6rry.
Sniff — ^Wahnggttnya.
Sniff, rubbing the nostrils with
the finger — Mennda-
miillabiitta.
Blow the nose — ^N5nd6rry.
Sneeze — EnchoochS.
Crawl — Bungga.
Dance — ^W66mb6mboollee,
Swim — Yeekka.
Dive^Burriing-a.
Walk — Wong-a.
Run — Kolyara.
Pant — Moott6-moott5.
Stumble headlong — Nahnggahla-
tanggoorSe (? of. nah-
nggo).
Fall— Beekka (cf. bookka).
Sit down, remain — Neengga.
Sitcrosslegged— Pintee-pinteejy.
Lie down, recline— Eemma [cf.
eeppa].
Think — Moorra.
Sleep — E-margala.
To Dream — Bookoylppy (? cf.
koylppa).
Snore — PoompOppa, bahndiinda.
Yawn — Tahppapa.
Wink — Miingko.
Blink — Mungko-miingko.
Stare — Wahmba.
Get up — Dingggiy (dinggy:
" A hand touched me,
which set me upon my
knees ").
Smile — M6-ki-y8.
Laugh — Kinda-kindiinda.
Hum — Moormoo-moorra.
Whistle — ^WeelpSolkO.
Sing — Yengke.
Gabble — ^YtLnda-yiindadS.
Shoot out the lip — Moonnoo-
booteeja (monnoo).
Sulk — Breerry.
Stamp foot — ^Niimmbiiddy.
Fight — Goo-rmya.
Sob — ^NSnnggo-neimggary .
Cry — Neerra, nahng-aroo
(nahnggo : " Women.
must weep " — Kinga-
ley).
Groan — Yerkiilko.
Cluck with tongue — Noonn-
t661kk6.
Drink — Toonjala, tweendya.
Hiccough — Tunttinda, numm-
btiUa.
Blow with mouth — Poorppa,
Eat— tl-6e, tar-enjary.
Gorge — Wertto-tiee, beUeerra-
tiSe, noorinya-tiSe.
Be ill— KullttUa.
Spit— Nulltcha.
Cough — GoonkOko.
Vomit — Mundtinda.
Stammer — Mundiilka.
Whisper — Mahra-bulkkoo.
Shiver, tremble — YiJrly-iirly.
Paint — Wahloo-wahloolbS
BOURKE, DAHLING EIVER.
219
No. 75. — Additional Wobds — continued.
To Die— Bookka.
Smell iU — Bookka-bookka (ie.,to
be dead indeed).
Very very long ago — Kahndeen
merry kahndeen yok6
(i.e., yako).
Very long ago — Kahndee-kahndSen-
ya, m6rrym6rry kahn-
dSen y6k0.
Long ago — Kahndeenya, kahndSSn
yOkO,
Lately — KeIlpp&-kSlpp6,
The day before yesterday — Kah-
rookO,
Yesterday — IllahgO,
To-day — Now, almost (cf, our pre-
sently)— KeilppS.
To-morrow — Wahmbeenya, Kah-
reengky.
To-morrow morning — Wahmbo-
ahmby.
The day after to morrow — Kahkah-
rSengky.
The day after the day after to-
morrow— Kahkahkah-
rSengky.
In five days hence — ^Yenta tiima
yokO.
In ten days hence — Tinna ohllb
y6k6.
By-and-by — Pooly-ahtta.
Some day or other — Boorijjary
kahn^ {i.e., afar to
come) — kahn^-ee-
kahn^.
Forthwith — TundSgj a.
Often — Tim-ga,
Always — Tun-ga m6rry.
Never — Ealla.
For long — ^WerkO-6-ta (cf. kitto-o-
ta, farewell).
One — Neecha.
Two — Barkooloo, booUa.
Three — Bark6ol6 neecha.
Four — Barkooloo barkool65.
Together — BooUa.
Apart — ^Neecha-neechS {i.e., one by
one ; cf, dvo Svo, St.
Mark vi. 7).
To the right — ^Noorinya.
To the left— YanggO.
On the hither side — WOrronarukka,
w6r-ang6ry.
On the thither side — MttUarka.
Anigh — Teilppa.
Afar — Boo-rijjary, boo-reelly.
Indoors — Koont6-g6ollee {i.e. the
belly of the house).
Out of doors — Tahna-muUaka,
The end — Tintee-wulkka.
The middle — TmtSe-fSkka, ttirtoo-
no-kk6.
Everywhere — Tinto6-n6-kk6.
Very, thoroughly — Merry.
Plenty — NooUada.
Lo 1 — Bommee.
Hark ! TflUeetee.
What?— Minna?
Where ? — Weendya, weendyara.
Well said ! Well done ! Hooray !
All right I — Gunjiilkka,
gunjftUa, bSUeerra.
You don't say so ! — Aht6gng-a.
Yes, truly — Naho-, nay (cf. vd,)
marrayta.
Yes, indeed — Marrayta, m6rry.
No — Nahtta.
Certainly not — Nahtta mgrry.
Have done ! — Nahohtta, nahtahtta.
I — Ahppa.
You — imba, indoo, o-mma.
He, She, It— Wahtta, wahtt6.
The man yonder. That woman. This
thing — Wahtta- eennO.
One more — Neecha binna.
It's all one to me, I think with you
— Eiinee-n-ahlppy, en-
neenya-n-ahppa. (cf.
unus).
Ah me ! — N-ahppa guUago.
220
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 75. — Additional Words — continued.
Take care ! — Wirra-miUa.
Cheer up I Don't make a fuss! Hush!
Moonda-neengga.
My dear — Mahmbo-li.
Come hither — Yo-thahn6e, yo-vah-
rfeepa.*
Go hence — Wahra-thahnSe, wahra-
vahreepa.*
Come hither quickly ! — Yo-mSrry-
thahnee, yo-m6rry-
vahreepa.
Fetch it hither ! — Yah-wahttQ.
Take it hence ! — Wahra-gahndee.
I'm off — Thahnee ahppa, ahppa
thahnSeng-ting-a.
You stay behind — Imba neengga.
Which way shall I go ? — Weendya
ahppa thahneeng-
iing-a.
Go that way — Wahtt6-a-rahn&e.
Quickly, quickly ! — Geerra geerra.
Halt there ! — Neengga.
Keep to the road — Yengka binna.
I don't want to go ! — Killhan6Sng-
ahppa.
I shan't go ! — MooUtflrreeng-ahppa.
I'm very tired — Boolyahppy-wah-
nda-ahppa.
I have too huge a corporation —
Koonna-na-p611a-ahppa.
I'm very ill — Meeka-1-ahppa.
Come, no more of that gabble —
Weendy ak miindy y ttn-
da ytindada indoo.
Go and have a drink — Beelkka
toonjala.
Where are the Blacks? — Weendya
wimbaja.
I don't know — Weendyah-n-no. (i.e.,
ay, where indeed ?)
I have seen it — BOmmSe wahttO.
I have not seen it — KiUa bSmmSe
wahttO.
I have heard of it — TuU^tee wahttS
I understand — TuUeetee ahppa.
What do you say? — K6-pa kooray.
There's a Black coming — Thahnfeeng-
tlng-a nfeecha wimbaja.
Seize the fellow ! — ^Noo-ringa wahttS.
("With aU our main
of power.")
Why so ? — ^Minna mundy.
There's not a Black about the place
— Killa nahtta wtmbaj -
ettee.
Is a Black here? — Wimbaja nSengga.
Yes, I ! — N-ahppa.
"Good morrow to thee ! Welcome"
— Geerra - thahnee,
geerra-vahrSepa, (i.e.,
come quickly! adsisl).
Where's another Black ? — ^Weendya
kahroo wimbaja.
A Black's coming — Wimbaja been-
dal6ng.
Come, I want one of you with me —
Yo - thahn^, niHlee
bSrroo thahnee.
Come quicjkly, one of you ! — Geerra-
geerrahnS.
Come quickly, numbers of you! —
Geerra - geerrahnfeeng
ohllo.
Make a big blaze ; it's very cold —
Noollada wahttS koon-
yka ; bUndeeng - iilla
keekky.
Get more wood — KahroS y6rra
wahttS.
Where is it ? — Weendyah-t-t8.
It's all gone — Nahtta winnOty.
You're a humbug — ^Nahtta mfiny
imba.
I'm no humbug, I'm in earnest, I
speak the truth — Mar-
rayta mSriy ahppa.
* In the yo- and the wahra- of these words, one can almost see the welcoming and the
repelling action of hands and lips.
BOURKE, DARLING RIVER.
221
No. 75. — Abditional Words— continiied.
You're a lazy fellow — ^Toollaktllly
turtooja. (Turtoo: of.
caput, — e.g., "care ca-
put.")
You're another — N-imbah-kaytlS.
Where shall I put it? — ^Weendya
Semma ]'a-gy.
Here — KItterryda.
There — Eettona.
More this way ! — Yo-mSrry.
More that way ! — Wirra-mSrry.
That'll do; I don't want it— Na-
hshtta; kiUa wahtt6
ahltS.
What do the Blacks name this ? —
Minna wlmbaja
keekky.
I'm aU but a Black myself— KeilppS
wlmbaja n-ahappa
Who are you ?— Minna wahn-ga
imba.
Where's your country ? — Weend-
yara gSer-r-o-mma.
Afar on the other side of the river
— MuUarka parkka
boorijjary.
The net's at the camp on the other
side — Mulkka
6-mama milllarkyna
moollee-n-ytlpparunna.
The sun's just setting ; come, be quick, be quick, and get over, and set
off to the camp together — KeilppS ytlko-illl6 beekka kfinnah, geerra geerrah-
n6eng-(5-tah, geerra geerrah, yuppara milnday.
Good-bye ! Good-night ! — Kilt6-6-ta, neenggtingga.
The very expressive words following — contained above, but not there
noted, many of them — seem to me worthy of special mention: — Wahkoo
(crow), woopooga (morepork), koonahly (wood-duok), korwoo thoo
(speckled dove), korrookahkahka (laughing jackass), tirry-girryka (wagtail),
eurree (ear), moonnoo and meemee (upper lip and under Up), tuUeenna
(tongue), yelkka (throat), koongung-urra (gullet); gullinggo (water),
bootta (thunder), towerry (to breathe), poompoppa (to snore), enchoo-cho
(to sneeze), goonkoko (to cough), mootto-mootto (to pant), nennggo-
nennggary (to sob), yurly-urly (to shiver, to tremble), mungko-mungko
(to blink), kinda-kindunda (to laugh), tahppapa (to yawn), weelpoolko (to
whistle), noonntoolkko (to cluck with the tongue), nuUtcha (to spit), poorppa
(to blow with the mouth), moonnoo-inja (to kiss), moonnoo-booteeja (to
shoot out the lip), menndamuUabutta (to sniff, rubbing the nostrels with
the finger), nahnggahla-tanggooree (to stumble headlong). And what can
better example Shakspere's "quick cross-lightning" than kuUa-koonyka ;
the quiver of a brandished spear, the quiver and whirr of a launched spear,
than wirra-wirroty ; the fitful ways of a butterfly, than billubyleukka ?
One may reasonably doubt whether, from a vocabulary so limited, could
be furnished by any civilized tongue such a galaxy of speaking words.
The following is a list of words either not confirmed or having some-
thing suspicious about them, but not necessarily unworthy; inserted because
some of them might possibly be confirmed by, or confirm, those of another
contribution : —
New moon — Buttoo.
Pull moon — Koombaja (i.e., big).
Moon on wane — ^Winna.
Evening star — Nooahlok-mttttee-
mutteeka.
Sunrise — Kulchftlka.
222
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 75.— Additionai
Midday — Kulk6iy (also, bull-dog
ant.)
Sunset — Pilkka, pilkahna, piilkka-
wahttS Cpilkahna was
given to me at various
times not only as sun-
set, but as child; and,
joined with booUee, as
meteor).
Night — Nahmoodee.
Meteor — BooUee-pilkahna.
Comet — Yengka (also road).
Heat — Kahla-kahla.
Water — KoUy (this word savours of
boojery and the like,
as do wee-wee, ill;
ewoho, sun ; bimble,
ground). *
Mirage — Ahppee-n6-kk6.
Ford — Nairree-nQ-kkO.
Island — Kurla-poolppo .
Waterhole — N6-kk6-y6rra, n6r-
ahla.
Pool— Gahttilyka.
Open country — -JUilkkah (also
brackish water).
Saltbush — BSkka-bootta (thunder
leaf).
Cotton-bush — B66kumbaroo,bunnba.
Trefoil — Goorra-goorra.
Nardoo — Wahn-goo.
Pig-weed — T6ol6rlflnggarinya.
Yam — Giimni, tahnee.
Mushroom — Boo-rungga.
Bee-plant — Buthim-bftthy (th as in
thin).
Sap — Billa-n9-kk6.
Sapling — Menttinya.
Bough — ^Woombaja.
Leaf — KahrSrSe,
Seed — Poonbdlka.
Hive — ^WooUSS (i.e., hole; is wurley
a corruption of wool-
lee?).
WoEDS — continued.
Honeycomb — Thi-6-ee (th asinthin).
Kangaroo — Gilpyja.
Kangaroo-rat — Martooka, b6-inya.
Bandicoot — K6ndara-booka.
Porcupine — Ktlltoo, kullgtSe.
Curlew — Burtulaka.
Turkey — Toolkeeka.
Sandfly — MoonnSe-nlrreeka.
Ants (various) — Meetooja, bultta,
teerala.
White ant — Moominya.
Snake (a) — Yerr61k8.
Iguana — Purnna, w6116reeima.
Lizard — Boonnoo.
Tortoise — Kerky-mtilka, poorkSo.
Periwinkle — Neemma, mooUairry.
Pishes (various) — PuntahlSe, wee-
g6er, pumt6-oka.
Soul— Toob6ry.
Tears — Meeky-mahla, mSeky-nullee
(nuUee, cheek).
Septum of nose — Tahppa.
Cheek— NoolkkS.
Chin — MooltteS.
Kidneys — Bahnda.
Back — Nahroo, bahlaroo.
Hip — Kooloo-pinna.
Ankle — Keng-g5o.
Sole — Poonna.
Big toe — Bunna.
Joint — Moorkka (also, " giggle-
giggle").
Blister— KuUa.
Swelling blight — MSSky-boylloo.
Child— Pilkahna.
Children — Gorwa, kahtcha-wuUoo-
koo.
Maiden— Ptllkahly.
Male child — Willya-roong-a.
Female child — Ki-chtinggoo.
Young man — Miill6o-S5lta.
Young man, before initiation —
Wilyaroo, nulkktt,
kahndee.
* I had warned my contributors, in a letter attached to my list of words, against setting
down without inquiry a few such words as boojeri=good, &aeZ= nose, which the early settlers
had learnt from the Sydney tribe, the impression with some persons being that there is but
one language in Australia.— E. M. C.
bourKe, darling river.
223
No. 75.— Additional Womts— continued.
Young man, after initiation — Kool-
ta-mttrra, mooleenya.
Widow — NOnnj^e.
Woman who has left her husband —
Ginmee.
Fatherless child, motherless child —
Mornnee.
(A woman speaks to her nephew of
his father as taralby.)
Breakwind — Ttirt5o-da-burtta.
Corroboree — Bahkitnya, yengkO,
nommba, moolgahlly,
dinnabi.
Road — ^Pulttoo, etironedO.
Small flrewood^ — Mookooja.
Large firewood — Tahlara.
Front supports of gunyah — UllSe-
engkara.
Back supports of gunyah — Tooltto-
ungkara.
Rafters — Tilkee-gooUee.
Charcoal — Kimba.
Fish-grease — Wilkahra.
Cake of seeds — ^Windda.
Poultice of warmed leaves — Poon-
bahmba.
Oven — Kurkooroo, nooa.
Fish-spear — Kurttee, biinda.
Nullah-nullah (small) — Keikka.
Yam-stick — Kwingka, kootaka.
Red ochre — Kurkkoo.
Wooden bowl (small) — Keenyy.
Mat — Pintooroo.
Net (little)— Mirra.
Head-band — Nootong^a.
Necklace — Keewara.
Strong — KoorkrSe.
Weak — Eella-koorkr^S.
Courageous — Eella-ooUyaloo.
Afraid — OoUya.
Tall — Berlooroo.
Short — Kardooka.
Unthruthful-
Thievish — Kernmahja.
Lame — Kookka.
Deaf— Mo-ko.
One-eyed — Y6ntta-meekaja.
Angry — Bee-r6-r§e.
Lazy— Btlndee-biindeej a.
Industrious — Bopparaka.
To stroke — Koonna-koonneenya
(probably to pat with
satisfaction ; a well-
filled stomach).
To fondle— BahndahkO.
To dive— NahppSo-orkala.
To get up — Pumda.
To sing — Pukkinya.
To sob — Boqu§epa, yahndalahna. "
To drink — Weejja.
To stammer — TooUaka-bulkkoo.
To stop ears — ^Nahjja.
Yesterday — lUana.
Ho, there ! — Mee.
Stop ! — TahrSe (also trunk) .
Come hither I — Burreeba.
Be quick !^-Moorra-moorra.
Is it a fact ? — Injee.
For a while — Btilyahda (suspiciously
like — soften it and it
becomes pooly-ahtta,
by-and-by).
I don't know — Yoon-gahnjy,
Tribes (incidentally mentioned) —
Ahn-g66k6, Mi-piilk6,
Tungga, Wahtta-waht-
ta,* Letcha - 16tcha,
Kahtchee-tahkka,
Ung-i-ung-i.
When a child died, it waa buried near to a young tree, round which bands alternate
(from the bottom) of black, red, yellow, red, white, were drawn ; a path to the grave was
marked out. No kopajji was placed on the grave of a child.
* It is curious to note that the names of two tribes below Swan Hill, on the Murray,
were known on the Upper Darling.— E. M. C.
224
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 76.— FIFTY MILES BELOW BOURKE ON THE
DARLING.
By Sir Samuel Wilson aot) W. Hendekson, Esq.
Or this vocabulary, wliicli has a good deal in common with
the foregoing one, I have received two renderings, one
from Sir Samuel "Wilson, and the other from Mr. William
Henderson ; they agree well.
Kangaroo -
- dulta.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum -
- yerringee.
2 Blacks -
- boola weim-
Tame dog -
- kuUi.
butha.
Wild dog -
- kudill.
3 Blacks -
- boola nicha
Emu -
- kulthi.
weimbutha.
Black duck -
- mengera.
One -
- nicha.
Wood duck -
- ninyea.
Two -
- boola.
Pelican
- nunkoor, nan-
Three -
- boola nicha.
Jsura.
Laughing jackass kurra-ka-ka.
Native companion gultook.
Four -
Father
- boola-boola.
- kombitha, gam-
biji.
- ummaka.
- wirtooka.
White cockatoo
Crow -
Swan -
Egg - -
- kullepooka.
- wakoo.
- ungoli.
- purti.
Mother
Sister-Elder
„ Younger
Track of a foot
- tinna.
Brother-Elder
- wertiga.
Fish -
- (no generic
„ Younger kakooga.
name).
A young man
- kooltha.
Lobster
- (none).
An old man
- murta.
Crayfish
wegiga.
An old woman
- burruga.
Mosquito -
- oonthi.
A baby
- kaiohungo.
Fly -
A White man
- weUbuUa.
Snake -
mulkeri.
Children -
- kiioha-buUuko.
The Blacks -
■ weimbutha-
Head -
- thertoo, thurt-
A Blackf ellow
■ wombage.
woola.
A Black woman
burraburraka.
Eye -
- mikey.
Nose -
mendoomuUa.
Ear -
- yoori.
BELOW BOUEKE ON THE DARLING.
225
No. 76. — PiJTT Miles below Bou
EKE ON THE Daelinq — Continued.
Mouth
- yelka.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- undi.
HUl -
-
Hair of the head
- therteboolka.
Wood -
- yarra.
Beard -
- wakaboolka.
Stone -
- yernda.
Thunder -
- brinda.
Camp -
- yeppara.
Grass -
- molo, muttoo.
Yes -
- 00-00, naya.
No -
- nata.
Tongue
Stomach
- therlunnia.
- moonda.
I
You -
- uppa.
- Lmba.
Breasts
- umma.
Bark -
- pultha.
Thigh -
- mulka or monka.
Good -
- kungala.
Foot -
- tinna.
Bad -
- boolagalli.
Bone -
- brinna.
Sweet -
- murga.
Blood -
- karnthurra.
Food -
- ooquanna.
Skin -
- pultha.
Hungry
- weilkukka, yar-
Fat -
- murni.
range.
Bowels
- koonawoon.
Thirsty
- nookoowerthi-
Excrement -
- koona.
knppa.
War-spear -
- karkooro.
Eat -
- kari.
Reed-spear -
- (not used).
Sleep -
- immerkuUa.
Throwing-stick
- (not used).
Drink -
- toonjella, dun-
Shield -
- oolumburra.
gera.
Tomakawk -
- wakukka, tur-
Walk -
- taminjerri.
rinya.
See -
- pommi.
Canoe -
- boolyimga.
Sit -
- narnguUa.
Sun -
- yooko.
Yesterday -
- karlkunna.
Moon -
- brittella.
To-day
- kailpoo, kiporta
Star -
- poolia, burle.
To-morrow -
- wambi.
Light -
- wombe.
Where are
the wingera wim-
Dark -
- toonka.
Blacks?
bagi?
Cold -
- bundinyella.
I don't know
- wingera moora
Heat -
- boorchi, tila.
kitthi.
Day -
- mimkay.
Plenty
- oolurti.
Night -
- kailka.
Big -
- wertoo.
Fire -
- kurla.
Little -
- kurtalooko.
Water
- nurko.
Dead -
- booka.
Smoke
- burndoo.
By-and-by -
- gooni.
Ground
- murndi.
Come on
- yonatani. -.
Wind -
- yerto,
Milk -
-
Rain -
- nina, mukra.
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
- boori.
Wife -
VOL. II.
P
226
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 77.— WILCANNIA.
By Murray Rogers, Esq.
Kangaroo -
turlta, telta.
Hand -
murra.
Opossum
yarungee.
2 Blacks
barkool wimbuta.
Tame dog -
bulkaja.
3 Blacks
barkooleacheree
Wild dog -
kuUee.
wimbuta.
Emu -
kultee.
One -
neecha.
Black duck -
mingera.
Two -
barkool.
Wood duck-
koongnallee.
Three -
barkooleacheree.
Pelican
Laughing jackass
Native companion
Four -
barkool-barkool.
Father
gombigi.
White cockatoo -
Mother
■ ummiki.
Crow -
waakoo.
Sister-Elder
wertoki.
Swan -
yungolee.
„ Younger
Egg -
bertee.
Brother-Elder
kokogi.
Track of a foot -
tinna.
„ Younger
Fish -
A young man
Lpbster
An old man-
mambee, gombigi
Crayfish
An old woman
Mosquito
koondee
A baby
burloo.
Ely - -
wingeroo.
Snake -
mingera.
A White man
The Blacks -
.
Children
A Blackfellow
wimbuta.
Head -
turto.
A Black woman
uungo.
Eye -
meekee.
Nose -
mendolo.
Ear -
yurree.
WiLCANNIA.
227
No. 17.— WiLCANTSiA— continued.
Mouth -
yelko.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
undee.
Hill -
- bole.
Hair of the head
- turto bulkee.
Wood -
- yerra.
Beard -
- wauka bulkee.
Stone -
- kemo.
Thunder
- pirndee.
Camp -
- yapra.
Grass -
- mootoo.
Yes -
- ungua.
Tongue
No -
- atha or artha
Stomach
- koontoo.
berree.
Breasts
- ummi.
I
- appa.
Thigh -
-
You -
- Lmba.
Toot -
- tinna.
Bark -
- pelta.
Bone -
- yelko.
Good -
- balera.
Blood -
- kamdara.
Bad -
- toolika.
Skin -
- pelta.
Sweet -
-
Fat -
- mumee.
Food -
- wunga.
Bowels
- tungunya.
Hungry
- wilkuka.
Excrement ■
- koolna.
Thirsty
- yerka.
War-spear -
- pirror.
Eat -
- tiell.
Reed-apear -
-
Sleep -
- wimpup.
Wommera or
Drink -
- weecherie.
tkrowing-stick
Walk -
-
Shield- '-
- wond or wound.
See -
pommee.
Tomahawk -
- taroonya.
Sit -
- nerole.
Canoe -
-
Yesterday -
- elarko.
Sun -
- yoko.
To-day
- kailpo-yoko.
Moon -
- bichuka.
To-morrow -
- karankee.
Star -
- boorlee.
Where are
the wingera wimbu-
Light -
Dark -
- yoko.
- marka.
Blacks ?
I don't know
ta?
- eela athawa pom
Cold -
Heat -
Day -
- yerkee.
- bootchee.
- yoko.
Plenty
Big - -
ma.
- waupoo, waugh
waugh.
- werta.
Night -
- marka.
Little -
- kutchulka.
Fire -
- koonika.
Dead -
- booka, bookala-
Water -
- ngoko.
gee.
Smoke -
Ground
Wind -
Rain -
God -
- boothara.
- mundi.
- yerto.
- mukkra.
By-and-by -
Come on
Milk -
Eaglehawk -
Wild turkey
- kailpo.
- kowa, koalee.
- teekera or tool
kera.
Ghosts
.
Wife
-
228
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 77. — Additional Wokds, by Mtjhkay Rogers, Esq.
Teal -
cooltooper.
String -
burtka.
Rose cockatoo
kukundee.
Spring
peril.
Road -
yerkna.
Spring water
gnalta gnoko.
Heart -
boolato.
Summer
bookara.
Thin -
ninditcha.
Winter
koalyee.
Corpulent -
nooree.
South wind -
koolyerto.
Dust -
boothara.
Small ant -
moonee.
Cotton-bush
bootooja.
Exclamation
of
yakai !
Green grass
noomba mootoo.
I am hungry
wilkuk appa.
surprise
Stink -
booka-booka.
Grass seed -
paapa.
You go
parek imba.
Marsupial pouch -
wurlga.
Get out of that -
wurrumi or wur-
Opprobrious
epi-
wurlgama.
rumonda.
thet applied
to a
I am soon going -
kailpo parik appa.
female
Timber - . -
yerra.
Opprobrious
epi-
curtoma.
Gum-tree -
goombil.
thet applied
to a
Box-tree
koorkoor.
male
Pine-tree
pimpa.
Tail -
koondara.
Laugh -
klnduda.
White -
copage.
Cry - - .
nukka-nukka.
Black -
cookrega.
Tears -
yanda.
Quick -
kulyerall.
Five -
yantamera.
You be C[uick
kulyerall imba.
Ten -
- merrinole (hand)
Strong
bickra.
Twenty
merrinole tinole
You are very
werta bickra
(hand and foot)
strong
imba.
Waterhole -
murtee.
Calabash
kerkee.
Hill waterholt
i
bolomurtee.
Bag - - -
mirrar.
Place -
geeri
Net -
murlka.
Good place
or
balera geeri.
Covering for the
turtoopero.
country
head
Rock wallaby
■
wungeroo.
Rug -
combee.
Kangaroo-rat
-
curtie.
Do you under-
enrich imba ?
Paddimellon
-
yapoonia.
stand ?
You remain
imba nerole.
I do not under-
wamba appa.
I have a pain in
koontoo mukage
stand
my stomach
appa.
WILCANNIA. 229
In several localities in the Central Division of tlie Con-
tinent we find hut translated wurli, and in the Additional
Words just given we have murlga = marsupial pouch, which
I have no doubt is derived from wurli, if indeed rourlga does
not mean hut in this language. Wurlgama, the opprobrious
term applied to a female, may be a compound of wurlga and
ama = breasts. In this Vocabulary the nasal sound is ex-
pressed by gn instead of the ordinary ng.
230
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 78.— TINTINALIGI, DARLING RIVER.
By the Authok.
See war
spmr. Kaalk is a common equivalent for wood.
Kangaroo -
dulda.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum
yeringi.
2 Blacks -
- barkooloo wim
Tame dog -
kalli.
booja.
Wild dog -
3 Blacks -
- barkooliteheri
Emu -
kalthi.
wimbooja.
Black duck -
ngalta.
One -
- ngitya.
Wood duck -
goonale.
Two -
- barkooloo.
Pelican
Three -
- barkooliteheri.
Laughing jackass
■ kokagok.
Four -
- barkooloo bar-
Native companion koUoorkoo.
kooloo.
White cockatoo
- kenke.
Father
- kumbidja.
Crow -
- waakoo.
Mother
- ngamukka.
Swan -
- yungoonoo.
Sister-Elder
- widthooka. .
Egg - -
- birti.
,, Younger
-
Track of a foot
- kappala.
Brother-Elder
- kowkija.
Pish -
-
,, Younger
Lobster
-
A young man
- talera.
Crayfish
- kumbooloo.
An old man
- baalwila.
Mosquito -
- goondi.
An old woman
- goomboka.
Fly - -
- wiingeroo.
A baby
- moetpa.
Snake -
- thuroo.
A White man
-
The Blacks -
- wimbooja.
Children -
- gonendoo.
A Blackfellow
- wimbooja.
Head -
- thartoo.
A Black woman
- ngongoo.
Eye -
- miki.
Nose -
- mindoonga.
Ear -
- yoori,
TINTrNALIGI, DARLING RIVEE.
231
No. 78. — TiNTINALIGI,
Mouth - - yalka.
Teeth - - - unde.
Hair of the head - thurtolge.
Beard -
- wokolka.
Thunder -
- bimdi.
Grass -
- mothur.
Tongue
- dthalainga.
Stomach
- koomtoo.
Breasts
- ngamma.
Thigh- -
- yalkoo.
Foot -
- dthinna.
Bone -
- bima.
Blood -
- kaangurra.
Skin -
-
Fat -
- mimi.
Bowels
- koomtoo.
Excrement -
- koorna.
War-spear -
- kaalkooroo.
Reed-spear -
- (none).
Throwing-stick
- (none).
Shield
- ngooloomburra.
Tomahawk -
- waakakoo.
Canoe
- bootheroop.
Sun -
- jTikur.
Moon -
- burchooga.
Star -
- boorle
Light -
- ngunyak.
Dark -
- dalka.
Cold - -
- yakke.
Heat -
- yanke.
Day -
- kalkere.
Night -
- doonka.
Fire -
- koonika.
Water
• ngookoo.
Smoke
- boordook.
Ground
- mimdi.
Wind -
- yertoo.
Rain -
- mokkera.
God -
-
Ghosts
_
Daeling Rivee-
Boomerang -
Hill -
Wood -
Stone -
Camp -
Yes -
No -
I
You -
Bark -
Good -
Bad -
Sweet -
Food -
Hungry
Thirsty
Eat -
Sleep -
Drink -
Walk -
See -
Sit -
Yesterday -
To-day
To-morrow -
Where are
Blacks ?
I don't know
Plenty
Big* - -
Little -
Dead -
By-and-by -
Come on
Milk -
Eaglehawk -
Wild turkey
Wife -
, — continued.
- yarra.
- kimoo.
- yappara.
- ngetina,
- angawirri.
- ngappa.
- ngomon.
- balthir.
- balera.
- dolooka.
- wonga.
- wilkookak.
- yaarke.
- daialaanook.
- boonpur.
- wigalangoo.
- bareje.
- bomera.
- ganoolana.
- elakoo.
- giki.
- mirdandoo.
the winjara wim-
booja ?
- ngaroodoogoo.
- kumbooja.
. katchilgooka.
- thambooroo.
- balyarda.
- yamma merrile.
* ContrMt with father.
232
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
No. 79.— PROM WBINTERI6A, ON THE DARLING, TO THE
BARRIER RANGE.
By Alexander McLennan, Esq.
Kangaroo -
- tulta.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum
- yarrandi.
2 Blacks -
- barkoola wyim-
Tame dog -
- kulli.
bida.
Wild dog -
-
3 Blacks -
- barkoola nidda
Emu -
- kulti.
wyimbida.
Black duck -
- koornalli.
One -
- nidda.
Wood duck -
- mumburra.
Two -
- barkoola.
Pelican
- puligi.
Three -
- barkoola nidda.
Laughing jackass gokaka.
Four -
- barkoola-
Native companion goorlokko.
barkoola.
White cockatoo
- kainki.
Father
- kambidda.
Crow -
- wolko.
Mother
- amukka.
Swan -
- youngalli.
Sister-Elder
- wortakka.
Egg -
- burti.
„ Younger
-
Track of a foot
- dinna.
Brother-Elder
- kaukooja.
Fish -
-
„ Young
er
Lobster
-
A young man
- gomo.
Crayfish
- koongoolo.
An old man-
- worto.
Mosquito -
- goondi.
An old woman
- koombukka.
Fly - -
- wingroo.
A baby
- katchuka.
Snake -
- tooro.
A White man
- bori.
The Blacks -
- wyimbida.
Children
- goornondoo.
A Blackfellow
- wyimbida.
Head -
- dhirtoo.
A Black woman
- nongo.
Eye -
- mikki.
Nose -
- mindolo.
Ear -
- uri or yoori.
WBINTERIGA TO THE BARRIER RANGE.
233
No. 79.^Ebom Weintbeiga to the Baeeieb Range — continued.
Mouth-
- yalka.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- hundthi.
HiU -
Hair of the head
- dhirt-bulki.
Wood -
- yarra.
Beard -
- wauka-bulki.
Stone -
- kumo.
Thunder -
- piindi.
Camp -
- yappara.
Grass -
- moodthu.
Yes -
- ngea.
Tongue
- turlinya.
No -
- ataharri.
Stomach
- urina.
I-
- appa.
Breasts
- umma.
You -
- imba.
Thigh -
- yalko.
Bark -
- palta.
Foot -
- dinna.
Good -
- balera.
Bone -
. pinna,
Bad -
- mikka.
Blood - -
- kandara.
Sweet -
- koolcanya.
Skin -
- pulta.
Food -
- thyalo.
Fat - -
- mumi.
Hungry
- wilka, wilkaya.
Bowels
- koornalkaka.
Thirsty
- yerka.
Excrement -
- kooma.
Eat -
- thytena.
War-spear -
- kalkooroo.
Sleep -
- boomparoo.
Reed-spear -
- patthai.
Drink -
- weatohaloo.
Throwing-stick
-
Walk -
- baripoo.
Shield -
- ulumbarra.
See
- pami.
Tomahawk -
Canoe -
Sun -
Moon -
Star - -
Light -
Dark -
Cold - -
- waukaka.
- pooltooroo.
- euko.
- pychugga.
- poorli.
- kooyooro.
- toonka.
- yakki.
Sit -
Yesterday -
To-day
To-morrow -
Where are
Blacks ?
I don't know
- neenga.
- yellakko.
- kailpo.
- karrauki.
the windarra anika
wyimbida?
- yilla urinadtoo.
Heat -
- bookara.
Plenty
- wow-wow.
Day - -
- euko.
Big -
- koombootoha.
Night - -
- toonka.
Little -
- kitchilliqua.
Fire -
- koonika.
Dead -
- bookaUagey.
Water-
- hoko.
By-and-by -
- palya.
Smoke-
- boomdoo.
Come on
- yamaparri.
Ground
- mumdi.
Milk -
-
Wind - -
- yurdtoo.
Black swan -
-
Rain -
- mukkra.
Eaglehawk -
-
God - -
-
Wild turkey
Ghosts
-
Wife -
234
THE AUSTRALItUST RACE:
No. 80.— MENINDIE, DARLING RIVER.
By — Mair, Esq., P.M.
Kangaroo -
thurlda.
Opossum -
bilta.
Tame dog -
- kalya.
Wild dog -
Emu -
kalti.
Black duck -
nalta.
Wood duck-
koolenalli.
Pelican
poolija.
Laughing jackass-
tulpu.
Native companion
koledrooko
White cockatoo -
kainki.
Crow -
wokko.
Swan -
yungolli.
Egg - - .
paiti.
Track of a foot -
narrukka.
Fish -
tilyekka.
Lobster
Crayfish
kongola.
Mosquito -
kooudi.
Fly -
wengooroo.
Snake - - -
tooroo.
The Blacks -
wiimbuja.
A Blackfellow -
wiimbuja.
A Black woman -
nongu.
Nose - - -
mendola.
Hand -
- murra.
2 Blacks -
-
3 Blacks -
-
One -
- neetoha.
Two -
- piakullu.
Three -
- piakullu iteri
Four -
- piakuUu-pia-
kullu.
Father
- kambidja.
Mother
- nyam-mugga.
Sister-Elder
- kantoha.
„ Younger
-
Brother-Elder
- kakoodya.
,, Younger
A young man
- taldra.
An old man
- weytu.
An old woman
- burruga.
A baby -
- purlu.
A White man
- mad.
Children -
-
Head -
- tartoo.
Eye -
- maikki.
Ear -
- yoorree.
MENINDIE, DARLING RIVER.
235
No.
80. — Meninbie, Darl
Mouth
- yalka.
Teeth -
- ngundi.
Hair of the heat
- poolkee.
Beard -
- walka-woolki.
Thunder -
- pindi.
Graas -
- mootoo.
Tongue
- turlunna.
Stomach
- komtoo.
Breasts
- kookooroo.
Thigh - -
- nooranya (right),
yango (left).
Foot -
- tinna.
Bone -
- pinna. .
Blood - -
- kandera.
Skin - -
- pulta.
Fat -
- maymee.
Bowels
- weylpa.
Excrement -
- kooma.
War-spear -
- kalkooroo.
Reed -spear -
- kalka.
Throwing-stiok
-
Shield -
- payalli.
Tomahawk
- wokooga.
Canoe -
- pulturu.
Sun -
- yukkoo.
Moon - •
- paitchugga.
Star - -
- poorlay.
Light -
- menki.
Dark -
- doongka.
Cold - -
- yakke.
Heat -
- taeyelu.
Day -
- menki.
Night- ■ -
- doongka.
Fire -
- koonyga.
Water
- ngokko.
Smoke
- pumdu.
Ground
- murndee.
Wind - . -
- yartoo.
Rain -
- mukkera.
God -
-
Ghosts . -
Boomerang -
Hill -
Wood -
- yarra.
Stone -
- kamu.
Camp -
- yappurra.
Yes -
- ngyay.
No -
- ngawo.
I-
- uppa.
You -
- ngymba.
Bark -
- palta.
Good -
- purlayra.
Bad -
- toolaka.
Sweet -
- kandjelka.
Pood -
- koombodja.
Hungry
- weelkooja.
Thirsty
- yarka.
Eat -
- nanuu.
Sleep -
- nettru.
Drink -
- waitago.
Walk -
- parrybo.
See -
- pammayo.
Sit -
- ngayingooyo.
Yesterday -
- idlago.
To-day
- kaipoo.
To-morrow -
- karainke.
Where are
the winja gupta
Blacks ?
wiimbuja?
I don't know
- winja tigga.
Plenty-
- koga.
Big ■ -
- murta.
Little -
- kattyelooga.
Dead -
- pukka.
By-and-by -
- pulyalya.
Come on
- kowwa.
Milk -
-
Black swan-
Eaglehawk -
-
Wild turkey
-
Wife -
-
236
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE
No. 81.— TOLARNO STATION, NEAR MENINDIE.
By C. W. Shaw, Esq.
Kangaroo -
turlta.
Hand
- murra.
Opossum
yarrungi.
2 Blacks -
- barkoola wim-
Tame dog -
kurli.
been.
WUd dog -
3 Blacks -
- barkoola nee-
Emu
kurlti.
chera wimbeen.
One -
- neecha*
Black duck
kurloo.
Two -
- barkoola.
Wood duck
goonarli.
Three -
- barkoola nee-
Pelican
booUi.
chera.
Laughing jackass
kookarkoo.
Four -
- barkoola-bar-
Native companior
L koolarkoo.
koola.
White cockatoo -
kainki.
Father
- kumbeya.
Crow -
warkoo.
Mother
- hummugga.
Swan -
yunggoole.
Sister-Elder
- willoya.
Egg - - -
burti.
,, Younger
-
Track of a foot -
kuppintina.
Brother-Elder
- karkooka.
Fish -
koonbarli.
„ Young
er
Lobster
A young man
- thuldera (see kan-
garoo).
- wittoo.
Crayfish
koongooloo.
An old man
Mosquito -
muninneri.
An old woman
- koomburga.
Fly - - -
wengooroo.
A baby
- moorpa.
Snake
tooroo.
A White man
- boree.
The Blacks -
wimbeen.
Children
- moorpa.
A Blackf ellow -
>vimbeen.
Head -
- durtoo.
A Black woman -
uunga.
Eye -
- maki.
Nose -
• mindola.
Ear -
- munger.
TOLARNO STATION, NEAR MENINDIE.
237
No. 81.— ToLARNO Staiiots— continued.
Mouth
- yelka.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- undi.
Hill -
-
Hair of the head - bulki.
Wood -
- koondega.
Beard -
- wooka bulki.
Stone -
- kumoo.
Thunder -
- bindi.
Camp -
- yapera.
Grass -
- mootoo.
Yes -
- nea.
Tongue
- turlinya.
No -
- nartoogara.
Stomach -
- koonta.
I- - -
- napa.
Breasts
- humma.
You -
- imba.
Thigh
- gurka.
Bark -
- burlta.
Foot -
- tinna.
Good -
- bellara.
Bone -
- brinna.
Bad -
- toolaka.
Blood -
- kandra.
Sweet -
- goolkoola.
Skin -
- bulta.
Food -
- wunga.
Fat -
- mumi.
Hungry
- wilkoa.
Bowels
- koonabulta.
Thirsty
- yarraka.
Excrement -
- koonna.
Eat -
- tailata.
War-spear -
- marohinga.
Sleep -
- poompera.
Reed-spear -
- purthi.
Drink -
- witola.
Throwing-stick
- pulkarri.
Walk ■•
- omala.
Shield
Tomahawk -
Canoe -
Sun -
Moon -
Star -
Light -
Dark -
- woolambora.
- wokara.
- pulthro.
- yooko.
- waichooka.
- booli.
- unnya.
- mullara.
See -
Sit -
Yesterday -
To-day
To-morrow -
Where are
Blacks?
- pumma.
- nangala.
- elow.
- kilepa.
- korooka.
the doo wimbeen?
Cold - -
- yekka.
I don't know
-
Heat -
- bookkara. ■
Plenty
- oao.
Day -
- minki.
Big -
- koombeya.
Night -
- tunka.
Little -
- kutchiloo.
Fire -
Water
Smoke
Ground
Wind- -
Rain -
- koondega.
- nookoo.
- boondoo.
- mundi.
- yartoo.
- mukkara.
Dead -
By-and-by -
Come on
Milk -
Eaglehawk
- boogaloo.
- guypoo.
- yammari.
God - -
.
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
.
Wife -
-
238 THE AUSTEALIAJSr BACE ;
No. 82.— THE JUNCTION OF THE DAELING AND
MURRAY RIVERS.
By John Bulmer, Esq.
Of this language, wliicli is called Marowera, I liave two
vocabularies. The first, which was kindly forwarded by Mr.
John Bulmer, manager of the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Station,
I have inserted ; the second was taken down by myself. In
most cases the two agree.
Mr. Bulmer informs me that it was the practice of the
women of the Marowera Blacks, on the death of a husband,
to put a small net on the head and cover it with mortar one
or two inches thick. This mortar consisted sometimes of
gypsum and at others of pipe-clay. After being worn
several days it became solid, and was removed unbroken by
means of the net, so giving the cast of a considerable por-
tion of the head of the wearer. After removal it was baked
in the fire and laid on the tomb of the deceased.*
Since Mr. Bulmer's communication, Mr. J. H. Leplastrier
has shown me two specimens of these casts. They are quite
uninjured and just as the widows took them off, perhaps a
century ago. Mr. Leplastrier picked them up at a deserted
burial-ground at Yelta, in January, 1880. They have not
been burnt, however, and one of them shows quite distinctly
the marks of the meshes of the net. Mr. Bulmer says
that these casts, which the Kulnine tribe call Kopi, weigh
* Sir Thomas (then Major) Mitchell found similar oasts at Fort
Bourke, nearly 400 miles higher up the Darling, drawings of which will be
found in his Three Expeditions into Interior of Eastern Australia, in which
the marks left by the nets are visible. — Vol. 1, p. 253.
KOPI
or mourning cap of^psuirv
JUNCTION OF DARLING AND MURRAY RIVERS. 239
sometimes as much as fourteen pounds. In this instance
the weights are respectively 10 lbs. 7 oz. and 5 lbs. 13 oz.
To plaster the head with clay in time of mourning is
very common throughout Australia, and the Kopi is merely
an exaggeration of the custom.
The word Kopi will be found, signifying mourning,
occurring at the junction of the Georgina Eiver and King's
Creek. — See Vocabulary No. 105.
As regards the word Nooralie (God), Mr. Bulmer says
that the Blacks understand by it a Superior Being, who has
existed for ages and ages, and still exists. He gives me the
following additional words : —
My wife
nongwi.
Thy wife
nongoma.
All women -
kmnbumbarra.
With respect to this word Kumbumbarra, the termination
barra or burra seems in several parts of the Continent to
denote large numbers, or large things. For instance, in
portions of the Eastern Division the names of the tribes end
in burra, and amongst the Bangerang, in the south, a large
fire is called Wooloombara.
240
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 82.— MAROWERA LANGUAGE.
By John Btjlmer, Esq.
Kangaroo -
boololea.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum
yairaringy.
2 Blacks -
- waimbia ngolo.
Tame dog -
kaddelie.
3 Blacks -
- waimbia barcolo
Wild dog -
wilcanya.
nuckie.
Emu - - -
kalte.
, One -
- nuckie.
Black duck -
kultowa.
Two -
- barcolo.
Wood duck-
Three -
- barcolo nuckie.
Pelican
ngankro.
Four -
- barcolo barcolo.
Laughing jackass
thakoa.
Father
- kumbia.
Native companion
Mother
- ngamara.
White cockatoo
kainkie.
Sister-Elder
- wertia or wirtoo.
Crow -
wako.
,, Younger
-
Swan -
youngolie.
Brother-Elder
- berlwea.
Egg - -
purty.
„ Younger kokwi.
Track of a foot
yuthero.
A young man
- thalara.
Fish -
wanga.
An old man
- wirto.
Lobster
An old woman
- kumbara, koom-
Crayfish
kongola.
bugga.
Mosquito -
koondi.
A baby
- katchooa (male),
Ely -
wlngoro.
kattarra (female)
Snake -
tooroo.
A White man
- thandoa.
The Blacks -
waimbia.
Children
- kendara.
A Blackfellow
waimbia.
Head -
- thirtoo.
A Black woman
nongo.
Bye -
- miiki.
Nose -
mendolo.
Ear -
- eurie, munga.
JUNCTION OP DARLING AND MURRAY RIVERS. 241
No. 82. — ^Maboweea LANav\aE—contimied.
Mouth
- yelka.
Teeth -
- nandie, ngundi.
Hair of the head - therto burlkie.
Beard -
- wakka burlkie.
Thunder -
- piudie.
Grass ■
- mutho.
Tongue
- tarlinya.
Stomach
- koorntoo.
Breasts
- ngama.
Thigh -
- karraku.
Foot -
- thina.
Bone -
- pena, birna.
Blood ■ -
- kaandara.
Skin - -
- palthu.
Fat -
- murni.
Bowels
- koonna.
Excrement -
- kumang.
War-spear -
- kalkro maitung.
Reed-spear -
' jerail.
Wommera or
pira.
throwing-stick
Shield
-
Tomahawk -
- waaka.
Canoe -
- pulthoro, ban-
koom.
Sun -
- yookkoo.
Moon -
- baitohoa.
Star -
- boorli.
Light -
- minkie.
Dark -
- maraka.
Cold - -
- yackea, yakki.
Heat -
- wapilka.
Day -
- minki.
Night- -
~ maraka.
Fire -
- nandalie, koon
nia.
Water
- ngookoo.
Smoke
- boomdoo.
Ground
- kara, murndi.
Wind-
- yartoo.
Raia -
- mokkera.
God -
- nooralie.
Ghosts
- konejerie.
Boomerang -
-
Hill -
-
Wood-
- yarrara.
Stone -
- yarrda, kamoo.
Camp -
- yappara.
Yes -
- ngu, ngai.
No -
- mopu, koko, bal-
yarto.
I-
- ngio.
You -
- nindo.
Bark -
- palthu.
Good - -
- kandelka.
Bad -
- thulaga.
Sweet -
-
Food -
- mano.
Hungry
- wilka wilkana.
Thirsty
- yarakana.
Bat -
- thialo.
Sleep -
- imia.
Drink
- urupun.
Walk
- pameua.
See -
- win.
Sit -
- mingana.
Yesterday -
- illower.
To-day
-
To-morrow -
- kara minkie.
Where are
the windarawaimbia?
Blacks ?
I don't know
- indearto or ngar
too.
Plenty
- koowa.
Big -
- koombaia.
Little -
- katewailno.
Dead -
- bokka.
By-and-by -
- kalpo.
Come on -
- kowa, yamara-
barrioo.
Milk -
- ngama.
Eaglehawk -
- bilyarra»
Wild turkey
-
Wife -
- nongo.
VOL. II.
242 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 83.— FROM THE BANKS OF THE MUREAY
RIVER, WHERE IT ENTERS LAKE ALEX-
ANDRINA, TO THE EMBOUCHURE OF THAT
RIVER AND LACEPEDE BAY.
By the late Revd. George Taplin.
No Australian tribe, or association of tribes, has been so
frequently and well described as the Narrinyeri, and
principally by the same writer, the late Revd. George Taplin,
who during the ten or fifteen years he managed the Govern-
ment Aboriginal Station at Point Macleay, on which one of
these tribes resided, published several accounts of them,
some of which were illustrated with a few excellent photo-
graphs of men and women of the tribe. One of the latest
of these accounts appeared in a work entitled The Folklore,
Manners, Customs, and Languages of the South Australian
Aborigines, which was published in 1879, and consists of
replies from a variety of persons resident amongst different
tribes to a series of questions drawn up by Mr. Taplin at
the suggestion of His Excellency Sir A. Musgrave, Governor
of South Australia. Mr. Taplin, the editor of The Folklore,
was one of several who furnished replies to the questions
issued, and these I have been kindly permitted by the
Government of South Australia to introduce into this work.
In connection with them, it is only necessary to remark that
having already called in question what Mr. Taplin says on
the subject of government, it is unnecessary again to refer
to the matter. The following is the account of the
Narrinyeri given by Mr. Taplin in Folklore : —
The "Naeeinybri" Tribe.
[The questions were sent to five persons dwelling in
localities frequented by this tribe — viz., Police-Trooper E. H.
Deane, of Wellington, River Murray; Police-Corporal John
Dann, of Milang; Crown Lands Ranger George Wadmore,
of Meningie; Police-Trooper T. Moriarty, of Goolwa; and
also to the editor of these pages. The answers to the
FROM MURRAY RIVER TO LACEPEDE BAY. 243
questions are very mucla alike. This was to be expected,
as they refer to the clans of the same tribe. The editor,
therefore, will give an account of this tribe at greater length,
and entering into more particulars than are contained in
the short answers of Messrs. Deane, Dann, and Wadmore.
PoHce-Trooper Moriarty's replies also refer to a clan of
the Narrinyeri; but as they live at Goolwa, about sixty
miles from the Wellington clan, it has been considered
advisable to give his very able and intelligent series of
answers separately. It will be remarked, however, that the
similarity of the testimony of these five observers is a guar-
antee of the correctness of the statements. This is very
satisfactory. The Narrinyeri are one of the most important
tribes of aborigines in South Australia. They possess
greater vitality than any other tribe that we know of.
There is also amongst them indications of a form of organ-
ized society, law, and government of a higher character
than is usually found amongst Australian aborigines.]
*1. The Eevd. George Taplin, Missionary to the Abori-
gines, Point Macleay.
2. The " Narrinyeri." Probably this word is an ab-
breviation of " Kornarrinyeri" (belonging to men). This is
the derivation recognised by some. Nevertheless some
natives prefer to regard the word Narrinyeri as derived
from " narr," plain, intelligible (referring to language),
and " inyeri," belonging to. This would make the word
mean — belonging to plain or intelligible speakers, or those
of one language. It is probable that the first derivation
is correct, because it is applied frequently to those whose
dialects differ considerably.
3. A tract of country — which may be said to begin
twenty miles above Wellington, on the Murray, and which
may be enclosed by lines supposed to be drawn from that
point to Cape Jervis on the west, and to Kingston, Lacepede
Bay, on the east and south-east — is occupied by the clans
of this tribe or nation.
* The questions, to which what follows are Mr. Taplin's replies, will be
found at page 268.
Q2
244
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
4. The tribe is divided into eighteen clans, and each
has a tribal symbol, totem — or as they call it " ngaitye" —
consisting of some animal or vegetable. The following are
their names and totems: — *
Name of Clan.
Locality.
Totem or Ngaitye.
1. Eaminyeri
Encounter Bay -
Wattle gum.
2. Tanganarin
Goolwa ....
Pelican.
3. Kondarlinyeri -
Murray Mouth (west side) -
Whale.
4. Lungundi
Murray Mouth (east side) -
Tern.
5. Turarorn-
Mundoo Island - - -
Coot.
6. Pankinyeri
Lake Coorong
Butterfish.
7. Kanmerarprn -
Lake Coorong
Mullet.
8. Kaikalabinyeri
Lake Albert (south side)
Bull ant.
9. Mungulinyeri -
Lake Albert (east side)
Chocolate sheldrake;
10. Rangulinyeri -
Lake Albert Passage -
Wild dog, dark color.
11. Karatinyeri -
Point Malcolm
Wild dog, light color.
12. Piltinyeri
Lake Alexandrina (east end)
Leeches, catfish.
13. Korowalle
Lake Alexandrina (north side)
Whip snake.
14. Punguratpular-
Milang (Lake Alexandrina) -
Musk duck.
15. Welinyeri " -
River Murray
Black duck, black
snake with red belly.
16. Luthinyeri
River Murray
Black swan, teal, black
snake with grey belly.
17. Wunyakulde -
River Murray
Black duck.
18. Ngrangatari
Lacepede Bay
Kangaroo-rat.
5. Each clan has a totem. Indeed the totem is the
nucleus of the clan, as it consists of those persons who,
by birth, are entitled to bear the same totem — native,
" ngaitye " (literally, friend). Each clan is called " laka-
linyeri," and all its members are regarded as blood relations.
Children inherit their father's totem. The ngaitye, or
* The Coorong clans of the Narrinyeri were called in the early days of
the colony the " Mihnenroora tribe." The writer recently inquired of some
Coorong Blacks if they bore this name; they replied that many years ago
the clan dwelling on the Coorong, sear McGrath's Flat, was called "Mil-
menroorar," but that now they were called " Milmenyeriarn. " This is an
instance of change of name. The natives seemed much astonished when
the name " Milmenroora " was uttered; they regard it as a sort of resurrec-
tion of an old name.
FROM MURRAY RIVER TO LACBPEDE BAY. 245
totem, may be killed and eaten by those wbo possess it, but
they are always careful to destroy the remains, such as
bones, feathers, &c., lest an enemy should obtain them and
use them for purposes of sorcery.
6. There are no class-names.
7. The Narrinyeri never marry one who belongs to
the same ngaitye or totem — that is, of the same clan;
neither do they allow near relations to marry, although of
different clans. This is always regarded as of the first
importance. Cousins never marry.
8. Marriages are generally, but not always, arranged by
the clans. The marriage ceremony consists in the father,
or eldest brother, or nearest male relative of the woman,
formally giving her to her fature husband in the presence
of the assembled clans or relatives. She signifies her
acceptance of the giving by making a fire for her husband.
Songs and dances accompany the marriage. It is a point
of decency for the couple not to sleep close to each other for
the first two or three nights ; on the third or fourth night
the man and his wife sleep together under the same rug
This arrangement is for the sake of decency. At the mar-
riage many persons are present, sleeping in the same camp;
so the newly-married couple wait till they have moved off,
and only a few relatives are left with them. They then
often make a little hut for themselves. If a lewd woman
goes with a man without being given away, she is said to be
" kanauwurle" (their's), and he has the right by custom to
lend her to any of his friends. It is considered disgraceful
for a woman to take a husband who has given no other
woman for her. But yet the right to give a woman away
is often purchased from her nearest male relative by those
who have no sisters. Of course this amounts to the same
thing. In most instances a brother or first cousin gives a
girl away in exchange for a wife for himself. The females
are married when about fourteen years of age. It is
notorious amongst the aborigines that girls married young
make the best wives. Those married later seldom turn
246 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
out well. The men rarely marry before they are eighteen
or twenty.
9. Children belong to their father's clan.
10. Polygamy is practised; but there are seldom more
than two wives. The eldest wife is the chief. An elderly
wife has little objection to her husband having a younger
one, as she is subordinate to her. Separations and divorces
sometimes take place by mutual consent. If a man ill-treats
his wife, her clan always interferes ; and, if he persists, wUl
take her away from him and give her to another man.
12. Blood relations do not marry.
13. Every clan has a chief, called "rupulli" (or land-
holder). The clan is actually governed by a council of
elders, called tendi, which controls all its affairs. When a
member of the tendi dies, the surviving members choose a
suitable man out of the clan to take his place. The number
of men on this council is usually ten or twelve.
14. Justice is administered by the tendi in accordance
with the customs handed down by tradition in the tribe.
In case of an offence being committed against native law or
custom, a regular trial takes place. The rupuUi presides, and
sits on a judgment seat called " tendi lewurmi." "Witnesses
are examined, and full inquiry made. All parties obtain a
hearing. Various punishments are inflicted upon the guilty
in proportion to the heinousness of the crime. Sometimes a
certain number of blows are given on the offender's head.
Sometimes he is banished from the clan. And sometimes
death is inflicted. Sometimes the tendi will secretly con-
demn a breaker of the law, and appoint a person to suddenly
fall upon him and put him to death. "When offenders belong
to different clans, or the contention is between members of
two or more clans, the united tendis decide the matter.
15. The most frequent punishments are blows. Some-
times, however, a murderer is speared to death. Sorcery is
severely punished.
16. There are three forms of sorcery, called "millin,"
" ngathungi," and " neilyeri."
FROM MURRAY RIVER TO LACBPEDE BAY. 247
MilUn. — The aborigines have a big-headed club, called
plongge, which is used entirely for mfllin. Its mere touch
is injury. "When they get an opportunity they knock down
an enemy, then tap his chest with this club, hit him with it
on the shoulders and knees, and pull his ears till they crack ;
he is then called " plongge watyeri." The victim is now
supposed to be given into the power of a demon called
Nalkaru, who will make him have chest disease, or cause
him to be speared in battle, or be bitten by a snake. Very
often the plongge is used upon a person sleeping. The
weapon is warmed, and his or her chest gently tapped with
it. One who has been thus served is supposed to be sure to
have disease of the chest. If a man or woman feels sore in
the chest it is always attributed to millin. After death the
chest is opened, and any disease found there is attributed to
this cause.
Ngathungi. — This kind of sorcery is practised with bones,
or remains of animals which have been eaten. When a man
gets hold of a particular bone of some bird or beast which
his enemy has eaten, he mixes it with grease and red ochre
and human hair, and sticks the mass in a round lump on
the end of a prepared skewer of kangaroo's leg-bone, and it
is called a " ngathungi." When injury is to be inflicted
on the enemy who ate the animal from which the remains
came, the possessor of the ngathungi puts it down by the
fire, and as the knob melts, so disease is supposed to be
engendered in the person to be bewitched, and if it wholly
melts off he dies. A man who knows that another person
has a ngathungi capable of injuring him buys it if he can,
and throws it into the river or lake; this breaks the charm.
Neilyeri. — This is practised by means of a pointed bone.
It is scraped to a very fine point. Sometimes an iron point
is used. This is poisoned by being stuck into a dead body.
Any one wounded by it is inoculated with the virus, and
either loses a limb or dies. Very ofter this wound is inflicted
secretly when a person is asleep. The bone point is kept
moist for use by human hair soaked in liquor from a dead
body. The natives are so terribly afraid of neilyeri that
248 TUE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
they dread even for the weapon to be pointed at them,
attributing to it a deadly energy.
17. Children who died in infancy were sometimes burned,
but are now always buried. Youths and adults in the
prime of life when they died had their bodies dried. After
death the body was carefully examined, and all the
apertures sewed up. Then it was set on its back, with the
arms crossed in front and the thighs spread out, and the
legs and feet bent under. In this posture it was placed on
a sort of triangular bier called "ngaratta." This was
elevated on three men's heads, with the body on it. Then
all the friends and relatives stood round and called out
various names, in order that they might discover who had
by sorcery caused the man or woman to die. The body,
thus elevated, was taken to various spots in the neighbour-
hood which had been frequented by the deceased. It was
said that when the right name was called an impulse was
felt impelling the bearers towards the person who called out
the right name. This was regarded as a sufficient indica-
tion of the guilty person. The bearers profess to be
entirely controlled by the dead man's spirit. Sometimes, in
order to discover the guilty sorcerer, the nearest male
relative would sleep with his head on the corpse, in order to
dream who was the criminal. This matter having been
settled, the body was placed over a slow fire till the skin
rose, and then it was all peeled off, and the corpse appeared
like a White man, the piffmentum nigrum having been
removed with the scarf skin. I do not think there was
any rule for this ceremony or the preceding one to be per-
formed first. It depended on the presence of friends. All
near relatives were required to be present at the trying for
sorcery. The scarf skin having been removed, the body was
smeared with grease and red ochre, and the head tied up
in pieces of skin or rags. It was now called " gringkari," a
name applied to Europeans by the Blacks, because they
think that they resemble a peeled corpse. The body was
then elevated on a stage about four feet from the ground in
a sitting posture, Avith the feet under the thighs. A slow
FROM MURRAY RIVER TO LACBPEDE BAY. 249
fire was kept under it for weeks, and it was Ijasted with
grease and red ockre. The liquor from it was kept for
neUyeri purposes. Eegular times of wailing and screaming
around it were observed. Men and women cut off their hair
in sign of mourning. The hair was spun and made into
head-hands. The hair of the dead was especially prized for
this purpose, as it was supposed to confer the gift of clear-
sightedness. Men blackened their faces, and women
smeared filth on their foreheads, in sign of mourning. It
was not uncommon for them to cut themselves to show grief.
When the body was dried, it was wrapped in rugs and
carried about from place to place to be mourned over.
When the grief was assuaged, it was put on a stage in a
tree, and, after a time, buried. The body of a very aged
person would be wrapped up and put in a tree without much
ceremony.
18. Property descends from father to son, or nearest male
relatives if there be no sons.
19. The Narrinyeri always believed in a future life after
death. They believed that the dead go to some place in the
west where their god Nurunderi resides. In passing to this
place they go under the sea, and as they go see down below
them a great fire, and the bad are in danger of falling into
it and being burned, but good people — according to their
ideas of goodness — get safe to Nurunderi. They call heaven
Waiyirri, or Wyirri, or Wyirrewarri.
20. 21. The great god of the Narrinyeri is Nurunderi.
They also believe in several demi-gods called Waiungare,
Nepelle, and demons Pepi, Melapi, Nalkaru, Mulgewanke,
and Karungpe. The traditions of the Narrinyeri all refer
more or less to Nurunderi and his adventures and exploits.
Nurunderi, their great and wonderful god or chief, came
down the Darling with his followers. When he arrived at
the lower Eiver Murray he sent back two of his men to tell
those from whence he came of his arrival. They never
rejoined Nurunderi. The chief and his party are said to
have crossed the country from the Murray — apparently from
the south bend — to the lakes, striking Lake Albert. They
250 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
found the country around the lakes in possession of clans of
Blacks under Waiungare and ITepelle. Various marvellous
adventures are told of these personages. Nurunderi is said
to have thrown flat stones into Lake Alexandrina, near
Pelican Point, and they became the fish called " tinuwarri "
(or bream). He made an expedition up the Coorong, where
he had a great fight with and slew a chief who had stolen
his children. Then he arrived at Encounter Bay, and while
there his wives forsook him. He called upon the sea to
overflow and drown them, and it obeyed. After many such
adventures, Nurunderi went to Wyirrewarri, or heaven, where
he resides. They also have an indistinct myth in which a
son of Nurunderi called Martummeri is spoken of, but it is
so misty that little sense can be made of it.
Waiungare is said to have been produced by his mother's
excrements without any father. He was a red man (narumbe).
His brother was Nepelle. Nepelle's wives one day saw
Waiungare at the lake and desired him for a husband. So
they went to his hut at PuUuwewal, and finding him asleep
made a noise like emus running outside. He awoke and
came out, when they burst out laughing, and rushing to him
clasped their arms round his neck and insisted upon becom-
ing his wives. The unfortunate hero appears to have yielded.
Nepelle, enraged, went to Waiungare's hut, and found that
he and the wives were absent, hunting. So he put fire in
the hut and told it to wait until they returned, and then,
when they were asleep, to get up and burn them. The fire
obeyed, and the sleepers were aroused by the vengeful flames.
They fled to the swamps on the shores of the lake and
plunged in and escaped. After this Waiungare threw a
spear at the sky with a line tied to it. At first, when he
hauled upon it, the weapon came out. Then he threw up a
barbed spear. This held fast, so he pulled himself up to
heaven and afterwards hoisted up the two women. Certain
stars are pointed out as Waiungare and his wives. NepeUe
afterwards was driven to the top of the hills by a great flood.
So he got to heaven by the same means as Waiungare, and
drew up his canoe after him. This vessel is still to be seen
FEOM MURRAY RIVER TO LACEPEDE BAY. 251
floating in the sky in the " milky way." These persons are
said to have lived at a time when enormous kangaroos and
fish existed. The former were so large that the skin of one
covered acres of ground. Waiungare and Nepelle, after
their apotheosis, sought to make these animals smaller.
The former tore a kangaroo in pieces, and, strewing them
on the earth, each piece became a small kangaroo, such
as we now have. Nepelle did the same with a fish, and
produced small fish.
The following is a native myth in the vernacular of the
Narrinyeri : — " Norar ngertir ulangk, kar morokkir an
mamar. Kar tuppir an mamar Tipping. Wanyar muldurar
ngungyin namuramb an mamar. Wunyar pulkeri muldurar
pettir an mami. Wunyar norar ngrakkuwallir. Wunyar
norar muldurar mendir. Kar pingkir muldurar brugungai
wunyar Eanemin. Wunyar norar balpewallin lun ellin
tukkeri." Translation — "The pelicans fished in the lake
and caught some tukkeri fish. They carried the fish to
Point Sturt. Then the magpies made a fire to cook the
fish with. The greedy magpies then stole the fish. The
pelicans were angry with the magpies, and they fought.
The magpies were rolled in the ashes, which made them
black. Then the pelicans became white like the tukkeri
fish, which they had eaten."
22. It seems to be very probable that the Narrinyeri are
a mixture of two races. Most likely the tribe which came
with Nurunderi were of Eastern Polynesian race, derived
from some people- who may have been drifted in canoes on
the north-eastern coast of Australia from the South Sea
Islands. They discovered that there was a tribe already in
possession of portions of the country, which seems to have
been Papuan. It is a fact that some of the Narrinyeri are
straight-haired and of a lighter complexion, while others are
curly-haired and very black. All the native traditions
agree with the above theory.*
• Except that our Black race is the outcome of a cross, the writer
differs from Mr. Taplin in the above particulars, as has been seen in
Chapters 6 and 7.— E. M. C.
252 . THE AUSTEALIAJSr EACE :
23. No doubt the Narrinyeri descended from a more
civilized state of society. They possess laws, customs,
implements, and wea.pons which they are quite unable to
invent now, and elaborate ceremonies of which they do not
know the meaning, although they adhere to them strictly.
The remains of a kind of sacrifice is found amongst them.
When they go on a great kangaroo hunt they knock over
the first wallaby which comes near enough to the hunters.
A fire is then kindled and the wallaby placed on it, and as
the smoke ascends a kind of chant is sung by the men,
while they stamp on the ground and lift up their weapons
towards heaven. This is done to secure success in hunting,
but the reason of the custom they know not.
24. The Narrinyeri are not cannibals, and express a great
horror of cannibalism.
25. Their weapons are clubs and waddies ; heavy wooden
spears, barbed and unbarbed. These are made of very hard
wood, got from the river tribes, and, through being hardened
in the fire, become as hard as bone, and can be made very
sharp. The most dangerous and efiective weapons are the
spears called kaike and yarnde. The shafts of these are
made of reed for the kaike, and dry grasstree-fiower stem
for the yarnde. Both have a point consisting of about a
foot of hard wood. Sometimes the yarnde is barbed with
splinters of quartz, stuck on with grasstree or pine gum.
These spears are thrown with a throwing-stick or taralye.
They can hit a mark at fifty and sixty yards. They are
quite as effective as arrows from a bow. They also have
boomerangs, but they are not much used in war — more for
striking water-fowl on the wing. They have also two shields
— the broad bark shield and a narrow wooden one. The
former is called wakkalde, the latter murukanye.
26. They make nets, twine, fishing-lines, mats, and
baskets. The mats and baskets are made of two or three
kinds of rushes and fiags. The twine and lines are made of
rushes, or of the root of the menokkuri flag boiled and
chewed and then twisted by hand.
FROM MURRAY RIVER TO LACEPBDE BAY. 253
27. Their only implements in the way of tools were
stone tomahawks and shells. They often nse the edge of
a split reed for cutting flesh.
28. Several ceremonies have been described in the
foregoing answers. It is only necessary to say that the
natives are particular to adhere to them. They have a
certain kind of courtesy amongst them. The formal good-
bye of one departing is " Nginte lew" (" Do thou sit still"),
and the reply of one remaining is, " Nginte ngoppun" (" Do
thou walk"). It is regarded as very rude to converse or
speak privately to a person in the presence of others. The
women are always kept separate immediately after parturi-
tion and during the time of menstruation. Boys are
forbidden to eat certain kinds of game, and young men other
kinds, and again women others.
The following is the list of the kinds of game forbidden
to boys, and also to young men during the ceremonies of
introduction to manhood: —
Young Men.
Boys.
Native Name.
English.
1. Nakkare
■ Black duck
2. Ngerake
- Teal - - - -
-
3. Einkindele -
I Turtle of two kinds -
- 1.
Wheri
4. Wheri
5. Ponde -
- Murray cod
-
6. Pankelde
- Black and white goose
-
7. Tyeri -
- Golden perch
- 2.
Tyeri
8. Piinkeri
- Widgeon -
- 3.
Punkeri
9. Kalperi
- Shoveller duck -
- 4.
Kalperi
10. Parge -
- Wallaby -
- 5.
Parge
11. Tilmuri
- Female musk duck -
- 6.
Tilmuri
12. Pomeri -
- Catfish
- 7.
Pomeri
13. KupuUi
- Blue mountain parrot
- 8.
Kupulli.
U. Rekalde
- Water rat -
-
15. Puldyokkuri-
- Water hen
16. Talkinyeri -
- Native turkey -
- 9.
Talkiayeri
17. Prolge -
- Native companion
- 10.
Prolge
18. Wanye -
- Mountain duck -
- 11.
Wanye
19. Tarke -
- Lake perch
- 12.
Tarke
20. Komeok
- Pink-eyed duck -
- 13.
Komeok
So that twenty kinds are forbidden to
thirteen kinds to boys. It is supposed
the young men and
that if they eat of
264 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
these tliey will grow ugly and break out in sores, and also
become prematurely grey. A curious custom of the abori-
gines is called " ngiangiampe." It is carried on. thus:
When a child is born, its navel-string is preserved and tied
up in a bunch of feathers called " kalduki." The father of
the child gives this to the father of some other child.
From henceforth neither of those children nor their parents
must speak to or hold any kind of intercourse with each
other. The mutual relationship brought about by this is
called "ngiangiampe"; and although the two must not
speak they must not see each other want. If one " ngian-
giampe" sees another in need of anything, he or she must
send a supply of it if possible; but yet there must never be
any direct personal intercourse between the two. I never
could find out the reason for the custom; the natives could
not tell me, so we are left to conjecture. The children who
are thus estranged from each other may belong to the
same clan or to another clan; this is a matter of indifference.
44, 45. For answers to these questions see paper on the
Diseases of the Aborigines appended hereunto.
46. While a boy is growing up his hair generally used to
be allowed to go untouched by comb, or at least it was
allowed to grow undressed and uncut for two or three years
before the time of puberty, which occurs at about fourteen
years of age. The consequence was that it became a perfect
mat of entangled hair and filth. When the time came for
the youth to be introduced to manhood, the old men of the
clan would appoint a time with some old men of another
clan to meet together to make " kainganar," or young men.
This was kept secret. A youth from each of the two clans
would be selected, and on the night fixed upon they were
suddenly seized by the men of the clans and borne to a place
apart from the women, who set up a great cry and pretended
to try to rescue them, but were supposed to be beaten off with
fire-sticks by the men. The two youths were thrown on the
ground, and all their moustaches plucked out and the hair on
their bodies ; the hair of their heads was roughly combed out
with a point of a spear, tearing it off by handsful ; they
PROM MURRAY RIVER TO LACBPBDE BAY. 256
were tlien rubbed over plentifully witb a mixture of fish oil
and red ocbre. They were compelled to fast three days;
drinking only water, and that to be sucked up from the lake
or river through a reed. They were not allowed to sleep at
all for about three days, watch being kept over them for
the purpose. They are now said to be kaingani or narumbe
— a word very near to our own word sacred, only without
any moral purity attaching to its significance. When the
two kainganis were allowed to sleep their pillow must
consist of a couple of sticks stuck in the ground crosswise.
For many months the two youths were compelled to go
naked. They were forbidden to eat certain kinds of game
while they were narumbe, and also were not allowed to touch
any food belonging to women. All the food which they
touched or caught became narumbe like themselves, and was
forbidden to females. This state of narumbe lasted until
their beards and moustaches and body hair had been pulled
out three times ; each time the beard was allowed to grow
about two inches long. They were not allowed to take a
wife till this period elapsed, generally two years ; but during
this time very little fault was found with them for licentious
conduct. During the time between the first plucking and
the second the youths were called " narumbe " instead of
their real names; during the time between the second
plucking and the third they were called " takkure mak," or
"plucked cheek." The second and third plucking was
generally performed without any ceremony like the first.
The two young men who undergo this rite together are ever
after held to hold a peculiar relationship to each other called
" wirake."
47. The Narrinyeri natives do not knock out the front
teeth.
48. The Narrinyeri do not practise circumcision.
Statement of the Number of the " Naerinyeei."
1. I have often thought that it is very desirable that we
should know exactly how many of the aborigines there are,
so as to be able to form some idea of their wants. I have
256
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
several times heard expressions of incredulity when I have
said how many I thought there were; and, on the other
hand, I have heard people say they thought there were more
than I had any reason to believe existed. Such a counting
of the aborigines, if it had taken place twenty years ago,
would have afforded some interesting information as to their
rate of decrease, and would have thrown light on the causes
of the decay of the aboriginal races. By way of making a
beginning in this direction, I prepared a list of the names
of aU the natives of the Narrinyeri tribe, or nearly aU. The
danger in taking such a census is of omission, and perhaps I
may have omitted a few. May I be allowed to suggest that
if at every aboriginal dep6t a register were kept of every
man, woman, and child known to the issuer of stores, and a
periodical return of their numbers made, it would be very
valuable ; it would be especially so in the Far North, and on
the overland route, and in the Northern Territory.
2. In making out the list, I got the assistance of four
intelligent native men; I allowed them to apportion the
different names of persons to their respective clans; in one
or two cases I found people belonged to a different clan from
what I had supposed. I have a personal knowledge of
three-fourths of the natives whose names are given; the rest
I am assured are living, and in some instances I am told I
have seen them, but have forgotten them.
3. The proportions of the different clans are as follow: —
Name of Clan.
Men.
Women.
Boys.
Girls.
Total.
Goolwa and Port Elliot
42
37
10
5
94
Lake Albert . . . .
12
10
3
5
30
Milang and Point Sturt
14
19
13
3
49
Point Macleay . . . .
42
48
23
22
135
The Coorong ....
49
37
12
16
114
Lower Murray, near Wellington-
37
32
8
12
89
Total -
196
183
69
63
511
It will be seen that the Point Macleay clan is the
largest; this is in consequence of the natives here being the
FROM MURRAY RIVER TO LACEPEDE BAY. 257
healthiest. The smallest j)roportion of children are found in
those clans which inhabit the settled districts. The Goolwa
and Port Elliot clan has only fifteen children, and yet they
have as many men as the Point Macleay clan, which con-
tains forty-five children. The circumstances attending the
life of the aborigines in settled districts are adverse to their
having children. I am sure that we have, by getting
children from the natives in the settled districts to this
institution, saved the lives of many; the proportion at
Goolwa and Wellington would be even lower than this, were
not this the case, and I know that the natives who reside
here have and rear more children than any others of their
tribe. The Coorong clan is a numerous one, and needs our
best efforts for its welfare. I do trust that we may be
enabled, by having a tract of land allotted to us, to reach
these people, and do them as much good as we have done
the Point Macleay clan; they have amongst them some
intelligent men. The Point Macleay clan and the Milang
clan (a very small one) are the only ones where the number
of women is greater than that of men. I can say with
assurance, that the dissipation and debauchery into which
many of the natives fall is more fatal to women than it is to
men.
4. The preparation of this statement forcibly reminds us
of the decrease in the numbers of the aborigines. I myself,
in 1849, saw 500 fighting-men of these Narrinyeri; I was
also told by a former Government officer that he saw 800
fighting-men in 1842 ; at the present time they might
muster 150. This would make the proportion of warriors at
present a little more than one-third of the whole number;
supposing, as is probable, that then the proportion was one-
fourth, there were in 1849, 2,000 Narrinyeri, and in 1842,
3,200. I am sure every one will feel sorry at this. We have
deprived the natives of their country, sadly diminished
their means of subsistence, and introduced a state of things
more fatal to them than the barbarism in which they before
lived. We feel anxious to prevent such mournful results.
VOL. II. R
258 THE AUSTRALIAN BAOE :
Our history on this station has been one of seventeen years'
resistance to their downward progress towards extinction,
and it has not been altogether unsuccessful. We trust we
may prevent that almost total disappearance which has
befallen the Adelaide and Moorundee tribes.
5. As the subject of disease among the natives has a
close connection with the causes of the decline of the
aboriginal races, I have drawn up a statement of the
result of my observations and experience on this subject.
The Diseases of the Abokigines of the Lakes and
Lower Mueeat (South Austealia).
I have resided among the aborigines inhabiting the
Lakes and Lower Murray for the last twenty years, and
during that period have observed that they are subject to
the following diseases, viz. : — Apoplexy, acute nephritis,
cataract, consumption (tubercular), dysentery, diarrhoea,
epilepsy, fistula in ano, hydrocephalus, hepatitis (acute and
chronic), hydatids in the liver, hydrothorax, influenza, indi-
gestion, impetigo, neuralgia, otalgia, otorrhoea, ophthalmia
(acute and chronic), phrenitis (one instance only), pneu-
monia, porrigo, ranula (one case only, but very bad), rheu-
matism (acute and chronic), sunstroke, syphilis, sore throat
in its various forms, toothache, and tabes mesenterica.
1. My observations have led me to the following views
of the principal disease from which the natives sufi'er, which
is evidently tuberculosis in its different forms. I think that
a large number of deaths arise from this cause — of fifty
deaths of adults which occurred here between 1859 and 1869
twenty-five were caused by tubercular consumption. In
infancy the tuberculous diathesis shows itself frequently in
the form of hydrocephalus, generally occurring at the time
of dentition ; it also very often manifests itself in the form
of tabes mesenterica, about the third or fourth year, or even
later; I have even known of a very bad case occurring in a
man of twenty-five. This constitutional tendency often
PEOM MURRAY RIVER TO LACEPEDE BAY, 259
appears in a form of induration and ulceration of the glands
of the neck; where it comes out thus, it is generally cured,
and the person becomes healthy afterwards ; but its most
usual and fatal form is that of tubercular consumption.
Any accident to the chest seems to lead to the deposition of
tubercle. I knew a case of a previously healthy young
woman who received a blow on the chest from her jealous
drunken brute of a husband; she vomited blood immediately
after, then her case gradually assumed the form of tubercular
consumption. I had a case of a White woman on my hands
at the same time as this one. I was struck with the exact
similarity of the symptoms in each case — the two women
died within an hour of each other though living miles
apart.
2. The mortality among infants of the aborigines is very
great — of 101 deaths, occurring between 1859 and 1869,
thirty-six were of infants under two years of age, fifteen of
children under the age of puberty, and fifty of adiilts. In
nothing has the result of our labors been so apparent as in
the saving of infant life. The good effects of cleanliness and
proper care are so apparent that I have heard the women on
our station lecture young woman on the necessity of keep-
ing their children washed. Infants suffer very much from
the exposure of savage life. I have known infants die of the
scorching which their heads got through being exposed on
their mothers' backs during a long march on a hot day; and
any severe disease which may suddenly seize a child, when
its mother is in a situation where help cannot be obtained,
of course runs on and becomes fatal, although at first quite
amenable to treatment.
3. I have frequent cases of both neuralgia and toothache.
A peculiar cause of toothache is the chewing of fibre for the
purpose of making twine ; this wears the teeth down to a
level and makes them very tender to bite upon.
4. I have frequently seen cases of epilepsy. I have
generally noticed that the persons subject to it have sunk
into a low state of health, and soon died of consumption.
E2
260 THE AUSTEALIAN RACE:
I had recently a case of a woman whose pregnancy was
accompanied by attacks of hsematemesis and epileptic fits.
I have seen several cases of lunacy among them ; it is not
uncommon for the intellect of old men to give way, and
for them to be insane. In one instance an old chief was
frightened by some people telling him that the Whites were
going to take him and his tribe to Kangaroo Island ; he
immediately betook himself to the reeds and hid for days;
he was then found by his friends, and afterwards had an
apoplectic attack; in a few weeks homicidal mania set in,
and he chopped a women about with a tomahawk frightfully
— this led to his incarceration in the Adelaide Lunatic
Asylum. In two or three years he was discharged cured:
he is, however, yet strange in his manner. The relatives of
lunatics have no superstitious ideas about them, and treat
them very kindly — they are rather afraid of them.
5. The aborigines do not suffer from malarious fevers.
6. Before the advent of the Whites a strange disease
came down the Murray and carried off many of the natives
— it was doubtless small-pox, for some of the old men are
pock-marked. The natives point to certain mounds where
the dead were interred who fell victims to it. The natives
readily receive vaccination. The aborigines here do not
readily take measles; a few had them when they very pre-
valent, but they were nearly all half-castes. We never had
the measles on this station at all, although settlers had
them within two miles of us, and they raged violently at
Milang and Meningie — and yet nearly all the aborigiaes at
the Poonindie Mission Station had them. I cannot under-
stand the reason why our natives were exempted. Although
a large number of natives were gathered in camps at
sheep-shearing, and some of them, mostly half-castes, had
measles, yet they did not spread generally; this is surprising,
since absolutely no care was taken to prevent infection.
Neither are the natives subject to scarlatina, although the
disease has prevailed very much in this colony. I never
knew natives have it, and yet I have reason to believe that
FROM MURRAY RIVER TO LACEPEDE BAY. 261
they had the cast-off clothes of White sufferers from the
disease given to them.
7. The ahorigines have a skin disease, which is a
sort of impetigo — it might be called impetigo contagiosa;
it manifests itself in a crop of pustules about the joints,
the ankles, knees, hips, or elbows ; it is worst when
it occurs on the hips ; it is accompanied with itching,
swelling, and pain, and afterwards excoriation. I have
seen places on a person's hips, occasioned by it, as raw
as beef and as large as my hand ; it is very contagious
among the pure Blacks, and less so among the half-castes.
I have known half-castes sleep with Blacks who had it and
yet not catch it. I have known a very White half-caste
woman who was married to a Black husband, and yet she
never had it, but her children did. Sulphur is a specific for
it. Some years ago I was led to ask the Aborigines' De-
partment for a supply of soap, which I used liberally — the
supply has been continued, and the result has been a marked .
decrease in the number of cases of impetigo ; this fact is
very significant as to the cause of the disease. The natives
call this disease Wirrullumi.
The natives often get ringworms on their bodies, but not
on the scalp; they catch them through tending calves which
have them. No kind of leprosy is known among the
aborigines.
8. I have seen cases, even bad cases, of syphilis amongst
the natives. I am sure the disease was imported among
them ; they knew nothing of it before the advent of the
Whites — this is the testimony of the natives. I have known
fatal cases, also cases where the tibia was affected, and bony
excrescences on the skin, with atrocious neuralgic pain ; I
have also seen buboes in the groin. Venereal disease is not
very prevalent; I am persuaded that sometimes cases of
impetigo have been taken for it.
9. I have never seen a hunchback among the aborigines,
and only one case of lateral curvature of the spine in a
half-caste.
262 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
10. The vital power of the natives varies very much in
different individuals, but taking the average, I do not think
it could be rated high ; they easily give way to disease, and
hopelessly yield themselves up to a fatal result. I think
their diseases are more of a sthenic than asthenic type. They
endure both heat and cold well — they will sleep comfortably
under a much thinner covering than an average European.
11. The question has often occurred to me whether they
suffer as much pain from injuries as Europeans do. It is
difficult to decide ; let an injury be caused by a European,
or by work for a colonist, and a great fuss will be made of it,
while a much more severe injury occurring through a native
custom will be made light of and endured with fortitude.
This leads me to think that they do not really suffer so
much as we do ; however, the whole question as to whether
one man suffers as much as another from a similar injury is
one which I should like to see ventilated by a competent
authority.
Wounds made by metal or stone implements or weapons
heal about the same as similar wounds would do in Euro-
peans, but wounds made by wooden weapons heal very
quickly — the transfixing of a leg by a wooden spear is
regarded as a trifle, and soon heals. Blows on the head are
not so dangerous to natives, because of the thickness of the
fatty tissue between the scalp and the skuU — this forms a
kind of pad, which in some measure protects the head.
12. The aborigines have no medicines peculiar to them-
selves: they regard all diseases and most injuries to the
person as the result of sorcery. In order to cure diseases
they use charms, which consist in the utterance of certain
words in a kind of chant or recitative. They endeavour. to
cure some complaints, such as rheumatism, by a rude kind
of vapor-bath ; the patient is placed on a platform made
with sticks, underneath are placed red-hot stones, or a few
live coals, a rug is wrapped round the sufferer; then some
water-weed called pinggi is taken wet from the lake shore
and put on the hot stones or fire and the steam allowed to
FROM MURRAY RIVER TO LACEPEDE BAY. 263
ascend aronnd the naked body, and a perspiration is pro-
duced from which relief is oftentimes obtained.
13. I have known women get spots on their eyes from
receiving blows on the back of the head; these spots
enlarge and occasion very imperfect vision in after-life. I
have known several cases of blindness, but not only from
this cause.
14. The writer has often been asked respecting the
fecundity of the natives, and the condition and habits of
women in pregnancy and parturition. It has been stated
that amongst some tribes in the other colonies if a woman
has a half-caste child she never has another of her own race.
This is not the case amongst the Narrinyeri, and the writer
doubts if it is the case anywhere. He has known many
women have large families after having a half-caste child.
Instances have occurred where the , first child was a half-
caste, and yet a large family of Black children followed.
Also, there have been cases where a half-caste child has
been born after several Black children, and then Black
children have succeeded it. Then women are known to
have had two half-caste, and afterwards several Black.
Indeed in every way the statement that the birth of a half-
caste injures the fruitfulness of the mother afterwards
is proved to be untrue as far as the Narrinyeri are
concerned.
The writer is convinced that when native women take to
the excessive use of alcoholic drinks it injures and often
entirely prevents their fecundity. In no instance has this
rule been found to be incorrect. Let a Black woman take to
drinking, and she generally has no more children, or, if she
does, they are poor weakly creatures, and soon die. There
is to be taken into account though that where aboriginal
women become drunkards they become prostitutes too.
A remarkable result follows the free use of tobacco by
the native women. The writer has observed it for years in
a large number of instances. When a woman smokes a
great deal during her pregnancy, the child which she bears
264 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
is always excessively fat. Such a child will resemble one
of those little fat Chinese pigs, so abnormally fat will it be.
Often a native woman is complimented on the plumpness of
her baby when it arises solely from this cause. But to a
person accustomed to see native children this fatness is
known to be peculiar in its character. The child is round
and bloated and unhealthy, although so fat. And in every
instance such infants have died. I never knew one that
survived the troubles of dentition and weaning. The effects
of tobacco have also often been noticed in the case of women
suckling. I have been called to a child which was ill, and
found it suffering from all the effects of poisoning by tobacco;
and no wonder, for its mother smoked heavily, and it was
nursed in a close hut with half-a-dozen people all blowing a
suffocating cloud of tobacco smoke. I am convinced that a
great deal of the ill-health of the natives — tendency to lung
disease, &c. — arises from excessive use of tobacco, They
use it so immoderately. I was confirmed in my opinion of
the use of tobacco causing a peculiar fatness in infants by
observing an instance of the same kind in a White woman.
During her pregnancy she suffered severely from toothache,
and only found relief by smoking tobacco. This she did
until the infant was born. It was enormously fat, although
both the parents were thin and spare in habit. I noticed
too that the fatness was of exactly the same peculiar kind
as that in the Black infants. However, the fatal result did
not follow in this case, for the mother left off smoking, and
the child survived, and got rid of its excessive fatness after
a time.
The pure Blacks are not so healthy as the half-castes.
Always the children of two half-castes will be healthier and
stronger than either the children of Blacks or the children
of a Black and a half-caste. When a half-caste man and
woman marry, they generally have a large and vigorous
family. I could point to half-a-dozen such.
Aboriginal women generally suffer less on the whole
during parturition than White women do. I attribute this
FROM MURRAY RIVER TO LACEPEDE BAY. 265
to their bodies being allowed to develop in childhood without
the restraints and injuries which result from the use of
stays, corsets, and other civiUzed appliances. The experi-
ence of the writer has not been small, and he never saw an
instance where deformity or malformation of the pelvis was
indicated in any native woman yet. May not this result be
attributed to the fact that their mothers never wore stays
during the time when they were chQd-bearing ? The pelvis
of a growing foetus must be peculiarly liable to malformation
from abdominal pressure in the mother. At any rate, such
is the fact, as stated above, with regard to native women,
and obstetricians will appreciate the vast decrease in danger
and suffering which is caused by it.
Aboriginal females though do suffer considerably in
child-birth, some more and some less. Instances of death
in child-bed are rare. The only three which I know were
remarkable. These were two sisters, each named Petem-
baitpiri; they got married, and each died in child-bed. One
died with her second child, and the other died with her
third child. The second one left a daughter whom we
brought up from infancy, and she attained to a mariageable
<ige. She was married, and notwithstanding every means
which was used, died in child-bed with her iirst child. The
cause was obstinate metritis, which set up immediately after
the birth.
Many of the native women are skilful midwives, and
exhibit much tact and presence of mind. Aboriginal women
always bear their children while they kneel, and sit back on
their heels, their feet being laid on the ground, soles upper-
most— a common posture always with them when sitting.
One of the women attending sits behind the woman in
labor, and puts both her arms round her waist, thus form-
ing a support for her back. The other widwife will attend
to her as necessity requires. Parturition always takes place
in this posture. The mother of a newly-born child generally
recovers rapidly. I have known a woman walk two miles
the day after she was confined. But this always does
266 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
harm ; and I have heard their husbands reproach them with
their folly.
On emergencies, native women have sometimes been
called in to act as midwives to the wives of White men
living in the bush, and have succeeded very well. I remem-
ber one amusing instance. The wife of a settler on Lake
Albert was unable to get the help of one of her own country-
woman, so she called in an intelligent half-caste named
Emily, in her sore need of help. In due time the infant
was born, and when she had made the mother comfortable
in a very kind way, the half-caste Emily proceeded to wash
the newly-born baby. After she had been quietly proceed-
ing for a time, the mother was attracted by hearing the click
of a pair of scissors, and on looking at the nurse saw a spot
of blood on her hand. " What are you doing to my baby ?"
she inquired. "Oh, missus," answered the nurse, "your
baby has got too many fingers, and I only been cut off one;
I will cut off the other directly, and make him all right."
Of course the mother protested that she would not have this,
and the second operation was not performed. It turned out
that the infant had five fingers on each hand, and the native
woman had clipped off with the scissors the superfluous,
finger outside the little finger on the right hand to make all
right as she said. I only relate this as indicating what would
be probably done by aboriginals themselves in such a case.
The infant in this instance suffered very little, and grew up
a fine boy. Children very much deformed were invariably
killed immediately after birth. But they must have been
rare, for, although they are not killed now, they rarely
appear.
Although the Narrinyeri are so often exposed to the
bite of venomous snakes, they have no remedy for this
disaster. Their superstition leads them to believe it the
result of sorcery. All the snakes are more or less deadly.
Their poison brings on tetanus, and coma, and death. I
have seen a strong man die in agonies from tetanus on the
third day after being bitten by a very small brown snake.
FROM MURRAY RIVER TO LACEPEDB BAY. 267
The natives particulary dread the native slow-worm,
called by them " wiitii turar" (wittii, " stinging " — turar,
"teeth"). Whether it is really venomous I never could
ascertain. I have cured five natives who were bitten by
snakes. The remedies used were very large doses of liquor
ammonia fortissimus, administered in one-ounce doses of
neat brandy.
The effect of the bite of the snake is to lower the pulse.
It is felt to be gradually going down. I therefore gave ten
drops of the ammonia in one fluid ounce of brandy every
quarter of an hour till the pulse rose. When this takes
place the danger is passed. It is astonishing what a number
of doses of the above will be taken before the slightest
effect is perceived. At the same time I freely scarified the
wound made by the snake's teeth with the point of a lance^
and rubbed into the place pure liquid ammonia fort.
The natives themselves have a sort of treatment of
diseases, but it consists more in incantations than anything
else. There are certain men amongst them sometimes called
" Kuldukkis," sometimes " Wiwirrarmaldar," and sometimes
" Puttherar " — but all mean doctors, and they profess to
cure the sick. They blow and chant and mutter over the
sick person, all the while squeezing the part affected by the
disease, and after many efforts will produce a bit of wood,
or bone, or stone, which they declare has been extracted
from the place, and is the cause of the ailment.
The natives are accustomed to scarify a part affected by
pain with a bit of shell or glass, so that by making it bleed
a cure may be accomplished. Another method which they
pursue in cases of rheumatism is this : — They make a lot of
stones red-hot in the fire. Then they erect a stage about
three feet from the ground with sticks. On this they place
the patient. Then they put the hot stones underneath, and
cover them with wet water-weed called " pinggi." The
patient and all is then enveloped in rugs or blankets, and
the steam ascending produces a vapor-bath, which often
brings on a salutary perspiration.
268 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
Questions on Asokiginal Folklore, etc.
(Answers to which appear in the previous pages.)
1. Name of the person who answers the questions, and
locality where he resides.
2. What is the name of the tribe of aborigines to which
his answers will relate? By "tribe," is meant all those
aborigines who speak one language. The subdivisions of the
tribe should be called clans.
3. What tract of country is inhabited by the tribe?
4. Is the tribe divided into clans ? If so, how many are
there, and what are their names ?
5. Has each clan a totem ? (That is some beast, bird, or
other living or inanimate thing which is the symbol of the
tribe.)
6. Are there class-names, or a kind of castes in the tribe ? .
7. Do the different clans only intermarry with each
other, and do marriages never take place between members
of the same clan? Or are the marriages regulated by the
class-names? Do natives of different class-names only inter-
marry ? If so, give names, and state what class-names the
children of such intermarriages bear?
8. What are the marriage customs and ceremonies? Who
gives away the female to her husband? Are marriages
arranged by the clans ?
9. Are the children of the father's tribe or the mother's?
10. Is polygamy practised?
11. What is the system of kinship in the tribe? Give
names for following relationships : —
My father.
My father's brother.
My mother's sister's husband.
My mother.
My mother's sister.
My father's second wife.
My stepmother.
My father's sister.
My mother's brother's wife.
My mother's brother.
My father's sister's husband.
My son or daughter.
My brother's child ("I" being
male).
My brother's child ("I" being
female).
FROM MURRAY RIVER TO LACBPEDE BAY. 269
My sister's chUd ("I" being
My father's mother.
male).
Her brothers and sisters.
My sister's child ("I" being
My mother's mother.
female).
Her brothers and sisters.
My brother.
My mother's father.
My sister.
His brothers and sisters.
My elder brother.
My father's sister's child.
My elder sister.
My mother's brother's child.
My younger brother.
A father and child.
My younger sister.
A mother and child.
My father's brother's child.
A widow.
My mother's sister's child.
A widower.
My father's father.
A fatherless child. ,
My father's father's brothers
A motherless child.
and sisters.
A person bereaved of a brother.
[Note. — Give the name of the relatic
nship in each case, no matter whether
it be the same word as on
3 before mentioned or not.]
12. Are blood relations allowed to intermarry?
13. What is the form of government?
14. How is justice administered? Is there any form of
trial for suspected offenders ? If so, who are the judges ?
15. What punishments are put in force against offenders ?
16. What kinds of sorcery are practised? Describe them.
17. What funeral customs are there?
18. How does property descend?
19. Have the aborigines any ideas of a future state? If
so, what are they?
20. Have they any belief in gods, demons, or supernatural
beings? If so, what are they?
21. Are there any legends or traditions amongst them?
If so, please relate some of them? If possible, give one in
the native language with a literal translation.
22. Whence do traditions lead you to suppose they came?
Where were the original seats of the race ?
23. Are there any proofs of their having been more
civilized in past ages than they are now, and, if so, what are
they?
24. Are they cannibals? What is their custom in can-
nibalism?
270 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
25. What are their weapons ?
26. Do they make nets, twine, fishing lines, mats, or
baskets ?
27. What tools or implements do they possess — or did
they possess, before Europeans came here ?
28. Can you describe any ceremonies or peculiar customs
practised by this people?
29. What do they call their language ?
30. Has their language any articles? If so, what are
they? Are forms of the pronoun used as articles?
31. What is the form of the declension of nouns? In
the case of the word for "man," how do they say "of a man,"
"to a man," "by a man" (as an agent), "by a man"
(situated near a man), "from a man," or "a man" objectively?
32. Is there a dual form of the noun, i.e., is there not only
a word for man and men, but a word for two men?
33. What is the form of declension of pronouns? Give
the full declension of the personal pronouns.
34. Is there an abbreviated form of the pronoun, for the
sake of euphony, used in composition?
35. Is there any gender to pronouns?
36. Has the verb any indicative mood ? or has the verb
only a participial construction ? Is the form in which the
verb is used in the indicative the form in which the same
word is used adjectively? Give a specimen.
37. What tenses has the verb ? Is there not only a past
tense, but a remote past tense ? Is there a reciprocal tense —
as, for instance, "I cut myself," "We two cut each other"?
Is there a repetitive tense — as, for instance, not only "I
strike" but "I strike again"?
38. How is the passive form of the verb constructed?
39. Is there any verb "to be" or "to have" in the
language ?
40. Is the letter s used in the language, ory, v, z?
41. What are the numerals? How high can natives
count in their own language ?
FROM MURRAY RIVER TO LACEBEDB BAY.
271
42. Give a few specimen sentences of tlie language with
a literal translation.
43. "What are the native words for the following English
words? —
Sun.
Moon.
Star.
Cloud.
Heavens.
Rain.
Heat.
Cold.
Hill.
Land.
Stone.
Water.
Sea.
Tree.
Canoe.
Fish.
Dog.
Kangaroo.
Fire.
House.
Spear.
Club.
Wommera.
Boomerang.
Day.
Night.
Great.
Small.
Good.
Bad.
Man.
Woman.
Boy.
Girl.
Father.
Mother.
Husband.
Wife.
Head.
Mouth.
Hand.
Eye.
Tongue.
Teeth.
I.
Thou.
Ear.
He, She, It
Foot.
We.
Nose.
Ye.
Hair.
Blood.
They".
This.
Live.
Who.
Die.
One.
Hear.
Two.
See.
Three.
Sit.
Four.
Make.
Dual.
Give.
Plural.
44. What diseases are most prevalent amongst the
aborigines of the tribe where you reside ?
45. Have they any methods of treating or curing disease
or injury among themselves, and what are they?
46. What rites and ceremonies are used in the initiation
of youths to the state of manhood ?
47. Do the natives knock out any of the front teeth?
48. Is circumcision practised amongst them ?
Note 1. — Native words should be spelt according to the following
rules ; —
The consonants to be sounded as in English, only the g is always to
be hard.
The vowels are to be sounded thus : —
E as in they.
I as « in fatigue.
U aa in rude, or as oo in mood.
A as a in father ; ah
Ai has the sound of long i.
0 as in old.
Au is sounded like ow in cow.
Note 2. — Precise answers to question No. 11 are important. A correct
reply will determine the system of kinship prevailing. The word for each
relationship should be carefully ascertained. It is also desirable to discover
whether there is not a slight variation of the word according as it is borne
or attributed to the speaker ; for instance, a variation for my father, your
father, his father, &c.
272
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 83.— PYTU REACH.
By George Taplikt.
Kangaroo -
wangami,tulatyi.
Hand -
- mari.
Opossum
- piltari, wongguri,
2 Blacks - .
- komengk.
Tame dog ■
WUd dog -
melluri.
keli.
3 Blacks -
One -
- neppaldarkornar
- yammalaityi.
Emu -
pinyali.
Two -
- ninkaiengk.
Black duck -
nakkari.
Three -
■ neppaldar.
Wood duck -
Four -
- kukkuk.
Pelican
nori.
Father
- nanghai.
Laughing 'jackass
Mother
- nainkowa.
Native companion
White cockatoo
Black „
prolggi.
kranti.
- wullaki,pillambe
Sister-Elder
„ Younger
- maranowi.
- tarti.
Crow -
marangaui.
Brother-Elder
- gelanowi.
Swan -
Egg - -
Track of a foot
kungari, tuma-
kowalli.
pellati.
yarluki.
,, Younger tarti.
A young man - narumbi.
An old man - - yandiorn.
Fish -
mami.
An old woman
- yandi-imin.
Lobster
Crayfish
meauki.
A baby
- kelgalli, milyali,
Mosquito
muruli.
tyinyero.
Fly -
tyilyi.
A White man
- griugkari.
Snake -
The Blacks -
A Blackfellow -
kraiyi.
narrinyeri.
korni.
Children -
Head -
- porlar.
- kurU.
A Black woman -
mimini.
Eye -
- pUi.
Nose -
kopi.
Ear -
- plombi.
PYTU REACH.
2T6
No. 83.— Pyttj 'Reach— continued.
Mouth
- tori.
Boomerang -
- panketyi.
Teeth-
- turar.
Hill - -
- ngurli.
Hair of the head
- kuri.
Wood -
- lamatyeri.
Beard -
- menaki.
Stone -
- marti.
Thunder -
- muuti.
Camp -
- mauti, ngauandi.
Grass -
- kaiyi.
Yes -
- katyil, ng-ng.
Tongue
- tallanggi.
No - -
- nowaiy, ng-ng.
Stomach
- mankuri.
I-
- ngan.
Breasts
- ngumpurengk.
You -
- ngun-ngenti.
Leg -
- taruki.
Bark -
- yorli.
Foot -
■ tumi.
Good -
- nunkeri.
Bone -
- partpati.
Bad -
- wirrangi.
Blood -
- kruwi.
Sweet -
- kinpin.
Skin -
- wankandi.
Food -
- takuramb.
Fat -
- bilpuli.
Hungry
- yeyauwi.
Bowels
- mewi, waltyerar.
Thirsty
- klallin.
Excrement -
- kunar.
Eat -
- takkin.
War-apear -
- wundi.
Sleep -
- tantin.
Eeed-spear -
- kaiki.
Drink -
- murttun.
Throwing-stick
- taralgi.
Walk -
- ngoppun.
Shield -
- wakkaldi.
See -
- nakkin.
Tomahawk -
- drekurmi.
Sit -
- lewin.
Canoe -
- meralti.
Yesterday -
- watangrau.
Sun -
- nunggi.
To-day
- hikkai nunggi.
Moon -
- markeri.
To-morrow -
- ngrekkald.
Star -
- tuldi.
Where are the yangi narrinyeri '
Light -
- nunkulowi.
Blacks?
Dark -
- yonguldyi.
I don't know
- nowaiy ap ngle
Cold -
- murunkun.
min.
Heat -
- waldi.
Plenty
- ngruwar.
Day -
Night -
Fire
Water -
Smoke -
Ground
- nunggi.
- yonguldyi.
- keni.
- nguk, bareki.
- kari.
- tuni.
Big -
Little -
Dead -
By and-by -
Come on
- grauwi.
- muralappi.
- pornir.
- palli.
- ngai our.
Wind -
Eain -
- maiyi.
- pami.
Milk -
Eaglehawk
- ngumperi.
- wulde.
God -
-
Wild turkey
- talkinyeri.
Ghosts
-
Wife - -
- nape.
VOL. II.
S
274
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
No. 84.— FROM WELLINGTON, ON THE MURRAY
RIVER, TO NORTH-WEST BEND.
By M. Moorehouse, Esq.
The following vocabulary is extracted from a work, pub-
lished in 1846, by M. Moorehouse, Esq., formerly Protector
of Aborigines on the Murray. That gentleman was under
the impression that it was spoken from Wellington to the
Rufus, whereas it prevailed no further than the North-west
Bend. In many instances I have noticed that Blacks ex-
aggerate the extent of their territory, and also the area over
which their languages extend, especially after tribes become
fused under the pressure of our occupation. Now-a-days,
were an old man, on the Darling say, asked the extent of
frontage his tribe occupied when he was young, he would
probably in making his statement add to the possessions of
his own tribe those of one or two neighbouring ones, whose
few survivors had in the break-down of aboriginal polity
cast in their lot with his people. From this cause I have
frequently found descriptions of the boundaries of tribal
lands overlap each other.
The prevalence of r as an initial, and the recurrence of
double r, are remarkable in this language.
No. 84.-
-Additional Woeds.
A spirit
■ idaidl.
To count -
- kappekappan.
Sorcerer
- idaidlanko.
To speak
- kappun, kaptun
South -
- karrungadla
Sunset
- karlkallo.
East -
- ngaldko.
Rage -
- kedlanko.
West -
- kaato.
The shoulders
- kinni.
Expression of
kaii 1
Finger
- kuilpo.
wonder
Blood -
- kantur.
Light (not heavy) kaitkatyo.
Bloodlike -
- kantukantur
A grumbler
- kappekappangko
angko.
FEOM WELLINGTON TO NORTH-WEST BEND.
275
No. 84.— Additional Words — continued.
Eyelid
kuitme.
Eyelash
kuityoink.
The thigh -
makuru.
Trousers
makurarru.
Liver -
ngaldkur.
Little finger
ngelko.
Thumb
ngoako.
Forefinger -
ngonongunnun.
Flesh -
parrangaldko.
Knee -
parrurup.
Skin of an animal tanko. |
Elbow -
tatto.
Rib -
tennir.
Cheek -
tunkatto.
Brain -
yurlurro.
To love
kirredlamun.
To make love
■ kirripun.
A magpie -
- k6ularru.
To evacuate the korntun, kun- |
bowels
dun.
A reed
- kordlo.
To charm -
- kungkun.
Sorcerer
- kungkungkangko
Urine -
- kuppur.
To out
- lappun.
A tear
- Uowo.
Don't cry -
- lloallo.
A wife
- loangko.
To see one's sha
- luttannun.
dowin the water
Likeness, shadow lutto.
A liar -
■ maaungum-
angko.
Wallaby -
- madlongo.
Animal food
- mam.
The milky way
- mamramko.
To believe, think meinin. |
Paternal grand
- metei.
father
Grandchild -
- metto.
To kiss
- mooruun.
Many -
- uailko.
Uncle - - - nukko.
A female kangaroo ngaako.
The liver - - ngaldkur.
Maternal grand- hgatta.
father
Vegetable food - ngemmo.
The breath - ngenginni.
A louse - - paanko.
A corpse - - padnamko,
puintyelmunko.
Nephew - - pammo.
Stepfather - - pangur.
Husband - - pewi.
To kill - - puilyerrun.
To die- - - puintyan.
A widow - - rangngu.
A hut - - - rap.
A married couple rap-tad-lakko.
Wrath - - rawuyip.
Pleasure, joy - ratti.
Bone worn rommum.
through septum
of nose
Cousin - - rongko or ronn"
gur.
Red - - - rumrum.
Door - ■ - taakurru.
Where; - - tadla?
A grave - - tappullo, tap
purlo.
A ball used in tiitko.
play
Sneezing - - tintingen.
To laugh - - tirrikeblin.
To slander - - tungngun.
Young woman or warkarrau.
girl
An adult female - wityange.
A black cockatoo womokkadlu.
To swim - - yagun.
A maggot, also yeltirri.
The sea
yerlungo.
276
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 84.— WELLINGTON.
Kangaroo -
Hand -
-
- mannuruko.
Opossum -
peldki.
2 Blacks
-
_
Tame dog -
kedlu, kellu.
3 Blacks
_
,
Wild dog -
murrang kedlu.
One -
-
- metatta.
Emu -
Black duck -
Wood duck -
Pelican
ranganyu.
yeldko.
Two -
Three -
Four -
-
- tangkul.
- tangkul meto,
metko.
Laughingiaokass-
kukatka.
Father
-
- nukkuwur,
Native companion
White cockatoo -
Crow -
Swan -
Egg - ■ -
Track of a foot
kawakko.
kunnamamu.
toldomko.
Mother
Sister-Elder
,, Younger
Brother-Elder
„ Young
A young man
An old man
An old woman
A baby
petuwurra.
- ngawur.
- maiko.
- marruko.
Fish - - -
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
Fly -
kuyongo.
yukalto.
■ dlertluinmo.
er
- ngadlongo.
Snake
A White
man
-
The Blacks -
Child -
-
- nguilpo, reyu.
A Blackfellow
Head -
-
- pertpukko.
A Black woman
ngammaityu.
Eye -
-
- korllo.
Nose -
roonko.
Ear -
-
- marlo.
FROM WELLINGTON TO NORTH-WEST BEND.
277
No. 84. — Wellington — continued.
Mouth
- munuo, taako.
Boomerang -
Teeth -
- ngentko.
Hill -
- tepko.
Hair of the head-
Wood -
Beard
- ngulko.
Stone -
- parlo, parlko.
Thunder -
- rrarlo.
Camp -
Grass -
- wungk.
Yes -
- ngaiai, ngaiye.
Tongue
- ngantudle.
No -
Stomach
- papu.
I
- ngapo, ngarma.
Breasts
- mumpurro, pai-
You -
- ngurra, ngurru.
puite.
Bark -
- pUli.
Thigh
- makuru.
Good -
- mudloityo.
Foot -
- tudgni.
Bad -
- paiyu.
Bone -
- kamko.
Sweet -
Blood -
- kantur.
Food -
Skin -
- pilli.
Fat -
- mudla.
Hungry
Bowels
Thirsty
Excrement -
- kunna, kunngo.
Eat -
- nguntun, taan.
War- spear -
- kakurru.
Sleep -
- murrurri, yum
Reed-spear -
- kaiyur.
mun.
Throwiag-stick
- ngeweaugko.
Drink -
Shield
- tarramo.
Walk -
Tomahawk -
- marrupung.
See -
- naan.
Canoe -
- manno.
Sit ■
- Uewin.
Sun -
- nangke.
Yesterday -
- karldkun.
Moon -
- kakur, kagurre.
To-day
Star - -
- pedli.
To-morrow
- pallarak.
Light -
-
Where are the
Dark -
-
Blacks ?
Cold -
- taako.
I don't know
Heat -
Plenty
Day -
-
Big - -
- yemko.
Night -
Fire -
- nimmi.
Little -
Dead -
- poilyongko.
Water
Smoke
- ngukko.
- multko.
By-and-by -
- yuatta.
Ground
,
Come on
- kauwo.
Wind - -
- murroko.
MUk -
- yuUurru.
Rain -
- bukatarru.
Eaglehawk -
God -
-
Wild turkey
- peralla.
Ghosts
-
Wife -
- loangko.
278
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 85.— NORTH-WEST BEND OF THE RIVER MURRAY.
By F. W. Fdlpord, Esq.
It is noticeable that several words in this vocabulary begin and others end
with r, ar, unusual characteristics in our languages.
Kangaroo -
poorool, toltar.
Hand -
- koolpoo.
Opossum
booltoo.
2 Blacks -
- rankool maree.
Tame dog -
3 Blacks -
- rankool mata
Wild dog - ■
chelli.
maree.
Emu -
rangun.
One -
- mata.
Black duck -
Wood duck-
Pelican
Laughingjaokass-
Native companioii
White cockatoo -
Crow -
narkur.
kooar.
nankoorar.
kokaka.
toorkul.
chowuk.
Waal.
Two -
Three -
Four -
Father
Mother
Sister-Elder
- rankool.
- rankool-mata.
- rankool-rankool
- pweechar.
- nukar.
- meeka.
Swan -
Egg - -
nankyer.
. milewrup.
„ Younger
Brother-Elder
- murrkar.
Track of a foot
• toonar.
„ Young
er bungar.
Fish -
A young man
- leeree.
Lobster
An old ma;n
- koombak.
Crayfish
ukot.
An old woman
- meechung.
Mosquito -
Fly -
Snake -
The Blacks -
mautar.
nakemilli.
too-oo.
maree.
A baby
A White man
Children -
- kimbill.
- towar.
-" mootar.
A Blackfellow
- maree.
Head -
- pempee.
A Black woman
• pookloo.
Eye -
- meeyee.
Nose -
■ mroontoo.
Ear -
- marwarl.
NORTH-WEST BEND OF RIVER MURRAY.
279
No. 85. — NoKTH-WEST Bend of
THE River Murray — continued.
Mouth
tookoo.
Boomerang -
Teeth -
tarakiit.
HUl -
Hair of the head
winnee.
Wood -
narook.
Beard -
- wakkoo.
Stone -
- koiming.
Thunder -
- poorok.
Camp -
rowoo.
Grass -
- wunkar.
Yes -
niyar.
Tongue
- nundoolar.
No -
- ya-ya.
Stomach
- moontoo.
Breasts
- moombooroo.
I-
- narpoo.
Thigh -
- muntar.
You -
nooroo.
Foot -
- bungoorar.
Bark -
- nardlung.
Bone -
- kumpoo.
Good -
- moolike.
Blood -
- kondur.
Bad -
mookar.
Skin -
- tooltoo.
Sweet -
- moolike.
Fat -
- bartoor.
Food -
miyer.
Bowels
- wunbaroobar.
Hungry
- booung.
Excrement -
Thirsty
- tarwin.
War-spear •
Eat -
- tarklaka.
Reed-spear -
Sleep -
- umkunar.
Wommera or
Drink -
- nooluka.
throwing-stick
Walk -
- punar.
Shield -
-
See
- nowar.
Tomahawk -
- maraboong.
Sit
- lowunar.
Canoe -
- munnur.
Sun -
- klear. ,
Yesterday -
- kulkulk.
Moon -
- kukarar.
To-day
- peeyowar.
Star -
- billee.
To-morrow -
- peeatukar.
Light -
- wyuekur.
Where are the
there markuk ?
Dark -
- rookool.
Blacks?
Cold -
- lookur.
I don't know
- Winyar(? where)
Heat -
- nirrkee.
Plenty
- warpoo warpoo.
Day -
- nitechar.
Big -
- beekuk.
Night -
- rookul.
Little -
- riwoone.
Fire -
- nalkoo.
Dead -
- boongiU.
Water
- nookoo.
By-and-by -
-
Smoke
- mooltoo.
Come on
- koowee.
Ground
- tootoo.
Milk -
Wind-
- yarool.
Rain -
- markarar.
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
.
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
.
Wife
280
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 86— NED'S CORNER STATION, MURRAY RIVER.
By A. H. Peglbr, Esq.
Kangaroo -
broolach.
Opossum -
bultcha.
Tame dog -
wilking.
Wild dog -
Emu -
rungine.
Black duck
nucha.
Wood duck
chawra.
Pelican
muckwan.
Laughing jackass kookooka.
Native companion tharo.
White cockatoo
jackwa.
Crow -
woncher.
Swan -
nuncha.
Egg - -
thuUan.
Track of afoot
Eish -
Lobster
thupul.
Crayfish
Mosquito -
- muntha.
Fly -
Snake
The Blacks-
- nutoha.
A Blackfellow
- merrely.
A Black woman
- bolko.
Nose -
- roonchana,
Hand -
chalpo.
2 Blacks -
3 Blacks -
One -
metha.
Two -
ra,Tiko.
Three
ranko metha
Pour -
Father
ruchaa.
Mother
nutchaa.
Sister-Elder
„ Younger
thulcha.
Brother-Elder
,, Younger bunoha.
A young man
lighcher.
An old man
koobatch
An old woman
yechong.
A baby
murtcha.
A White man
■ thougha.
Children -
Head -
bumpie.
Eye -
■ mechil.
Bar -
munchuna.
NED'S CORNER STATION, MURRAY RIVER.
281
No. 86. — Ned's Cornbb Station, Mttrway River — continued
Mouth
- thuraka.
Boomerang-
-
Teeth
- lutcha.
Hill -
-
Hair of the head winine.
Wood-
- lecher.
Beard-
- wak-oha.
Stone -
- kumcha.
Thunder
- poorache.
Camp -
-
Grass -
- yoxmgcha.
Yes -
- hiehia.
Tongue
- nungchul.
No -
- mematt.
Stomach
- poungbong.
I- -
-
Breasts
• buntricha.
You -
Thigh
- nunoha.
Bark -
- nichline.
Foot ■
- thunga.
Good -
- mulach.
Bone -
Bad -
Blood -
- koundcha.
Sweet-
- nuchlach.
Skin -
■ thulcha.
Fat -
- patura.
Pood -
- thighin.
Bowels
- kudna.
Hungry -
-
Excrement
- kudna.
Thirsty
-
War-spear
Eat -
-
Reed-spear
- kechia.
Sleep -
-
Wommera
or
Drink-
-
thro wing-
stick
Walk -
- puncha.
Shield
- thram.
See -
- nungha.
Tomahawk
-
Sit -
Canoe
- munga.
Yesterday -
.
Sun -
- lechie.
To-day
Moon-
- kachiera.
Star -
- billier.
To-morrow-
-
Light -
- nechega.
Where are
the
Dark -
- nimincha.
Blacks ?
Cold -
- dukka.
I don't know
- winacha.
Heat -
- nuncka.
Plenty
-
Day -
Big - -
-
Night
- nulka.
Little -
-
Fire -
- thepia.
Dead -
Water
- multcho.
By-and-by -
Smoke
-
Come on -
Ground
-
Milk -
Wind
-
Rain -
.
Eaglehawk -
God -
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
Wife -
282
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
No. 87.— FEOM MALLEE CLIFFS STATION TO
WENTWORTH.
By — McFablane, Esq.
The following vocabulary and other matter connected with
the Kemendok tongue were kindly but hurriedly dictated to
me by Mr. McFarlane, the owner of the MaUee Cliff Station,
who speaks the language fluently : —
By — McPablanb, Esq.
Kangaroo -
buloker.
Hand -
- wa,in.
Opossum -
bult.
2 Blacks -
- raangool ngult.
Tame dog -
kalli.
3 Blacks -
- raangool meta
Wild dog -
ngult.
Emu -
rungin.
One -
- meta.
Black duck
toorlum.
Two -
■ raangool.
Wood duck
wondre.
Three -
- raangool met.
Pelican
belangri.
Four -
- raangool raan-
Laughing jackass
kokak.
gool.
Native companion tort.
Father
bUth.
White cockatoo ■
runth.
Mother
ngaak.
Crow -
waak.
Sister-Elder
- mai-ik.
Swan -
koolthawa.
„ Younger
Egg -
bert.
Brother-Elder
- kook.
Track of a foot
thin.
,, Younger
Fish -
A young man
- lomith.
Lobster
An old man
- pikwaar.
Crayfish
moak.
An old woman
■ pik-korump.
Mosquito -
munth.
A baby
- thalump (male),
Fly - - -
baroeit (female)
Snake
thok.
A White man
- thow-wur.
The Blaoks-
ngultetel.
Children -
reep-reep.
A Blackfellow
ngult.
Head -
tururt.
A Black woman -
korump.
Eye -
- mi.
Nose -
kaap.
Ear -
- mur.
MALLEE CLrFPS STATION TO WENTWORTH.
283
No. 87. — Mallbe Cliffs — continued.
Mouth
thak.
Boomerang -
Teeth -
drirk.
Hill -
Hair of the head
drirk kitch.
Wood-
- boop.
Beard-
ngoolk.
Stone -
- mok.
Thunder -
bethung.
Camp -
- raap.
Grass -
thellum.
Yes -
- ai-ai.
Tongue
mat.
No -
- pintha.
Stomach -
monda.
I
- ngaie, ngaia.
Breasts
You -
- wooroo.
Bark -
- kaart-kaart.
Thigh
naunt.
Good -
- warrink.
Foot -
thin.
Bone -
birump.
Bad -
baathup.
Blood -
koork.
Sweet -
- burmum.
Skin -
- metchook.
Food -
- maam (animal),
Fat -
- mint.
thaap (vege-
Bowels
table).
Excrement -
Hungry
- ngow-ngow-
mum.
War-spear -
- thill.
Thirsty
- konoolun.
Reed-spear -
- nerit.
Eat -
- thaicha.
Wommera or
ngowathuk.
Sleep -
- muttri.
throwing-stiok
Drink -
- ngooka.
Shield
- benmaL
Walk-
- yinna.
Tomahawk -
- tharing.
See -
- maima.
Canoe
- longup.
Sit -
- lewa.
Sun -
- nunk.
Yesterday -
- kaalkun.
Moon -
- baitch.
To-day
- bianunga.
Star -
- burl.
To-morrow -
- pint-wangorong.
Light -
■ nungan.
Where are
the winya ngultetel
Dark -
- wangoran.
Blacks ?
Cold -
- tirowl.
I don't know
- pinta ngaia
Heat -
- numura.
•
yoorun.
Day -
- nungan.
Plenty
- nur.
Night-
- wangora,n.
Big -
- yoorong.
Fire -
- nik.
Little -
- baie.
Water
- ngook.
Dead -
- yootmal.
Smoke
- thoor.
By-and-by -
- mondja.
Ground
- naitch.
Come on -
- yinne ap.
Wind
- wirith.
Milk -
Rain -
- makkri.
Eaglehawk-
God -
-
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
-
Wif,e -
284
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
CONJUGATION OF VERBS IN THE KEMBNDOK LANGUAGE.
To Steikb.
PRESENT.
I strike
- ngaie wokka.
We strike -
- ngfnna wokka.
Thou strikest
- ngoora wokka.
You strike -
- ngooroom wokka.
He strikes -
- inna wokka.
They strike
- ngowo wokka.
PERFECT TENSE.
I struck
- ngaie wokkul.
We struck -
- nginum wokkul.
Thou struokest
ngoora wokkul.
You struck -
- ngooroom wok-
kul.
He struck -
inna wokkul.
They struck
- ngam wokkul.
EUTTJEE TENSE.
I will strike
- mondja ngaie
We will strike
- nginna mondja
wokka.
wokka.
Thou wilt strike
- mondja ngoora
You will strike
- ngooroom mondja
wokka.
wokka.
He will strike
- inna mondja
They will strike
- ngowo mondja
wokka.
wokka.
IMPERATIVE MOOD.
Strike
- wokka.
Let us strike
- ngurra nginna
Let him strike
- ngurra inna
wokka.
wokka.
Let them strike
- ngurra ngowo
wokka.
To Go.
PRESENT TENSE.
go -
- nup yennin.
We go
- nginna yennin.
Thou goest -
- ngoora yennin.
You go
- ngooroom yenna.
He goes
- inna yennin.
They go -
- ngowo yennin.
PRETERITE TENSE.
I went
- nup yennool.
He went, &c.
- nginna yennool,
Thou wentest
- ngoora yennool.
&c.
FUTURE TENSE.
I will go, &c.
- nup mondja
yenna.
ngoora mondja
yenna.
inna mondja
yenna, &o.
IMPEBATIVB MOOD.
Go thou
- yenna.
Let us go -
Let him go -
- ngarainnayeima.
Let them go
BETWEEN THE LACHLAN, MURRAY, & DARLING. 285
- ngiima lurt
yemia.
- ngara ngowo
yemia.
He will go by-and-by .... inua mondja yemiola.
There are no Blacks at Youngera - - pinta ngok coda Youngeran.
There is no water at Youngera - - - pinta ngulk coda Youngeran.
I have no opossum pinta ngaia bult.
not I opossum.
I don't see him pinta ngaia maimin inna.
not I see him.
That girl has a pretty face - - - inna morin warink ngining.
she girl good face.
No. 88.— FROM THE JUNCTION OF THE LACHLAN
AND MURRAY TO THE JUNCTION OF THE
DARLING AND MURRAY.
By J. A. Maodonald, Esq.
Of the language of tlie tribe which inhabits the country
specified above 1 have three specimens, one drawn up by
Mr. J. A. Macdonald, another by Mr. John Miller, of
Kulnine, and the third by myself. Though they differ some-
what, I have only inserted the first, together with some
phrases and tenses of verbs obtained from Mr. Macdonald,
who speaks the language well. The numerals 1, 2, and 3
a woman gave me very distinctly as mok^ thoral, thoral no,
mok. Families often differ a little in pronunciation.
Though its language shows this tribe to be an off-shoot
of the Narrinyeri, and hence of Central Australian descent,
yet it calls itself and its language Yit-tha, which is its
negative adverb.
This, as the reader is aware, is a custom which may be
said to be confined to Eastern Australia. Its occurrence in
286
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
this tribe (the only exception I know) is explained by the
fact that it is the last of the Central series, and has for
its neighbour up the Murray a tribe of Eastern descent,
which calls itself by its negative, and has no doubt named
the Yit-tha in the same way. As I have said before,
tribes often influence the languages and customs of their
neighbours.
From this point as far as Expedition Range, in Queens-
land, this practice of calling a tribe by its negative prevails
generally.
The Yit-tha have territory on both sides of the Murray.
Additional Phrases, etc.
There is no water at Youngera; lit. : - Yittha ngok gooia, Youngeran,
No water there, Youngera
There are no Blacks at Youngera
I have no money; lit.: Not me money
I don't see him; lit. : No I see that
Black
That girl is pretty ; lit. : That girl
good
Yittha nunna gooia Youngeran.
Yittha ngunak money.
Yit-tha ngaie naiin yanda nunna.
Yanda moorooin kaangil.
Ngaie wokka yanda nuima koorndi nunga.
I (will) kUl that Black to-morrow sun.
I go.
Thou goest.
He
Ngaap nukka -
Ngoora nukka ■
Yanda nukkun -
Ngaap nukkarnt - I went.
Ngoora nukkarnt - Thou wentest,
Yanda nukkarnt - He went.
To Go.
PRESENT TENSE.
Ngainne nukkun - We go.
Ngoona nukka - You go.
Yanda bugga nukka They (or that
lot) go.
PERFECT TENSE.
Ngainne nukkarnt - We want.
Ngoona nukkarnt ■ You went.
Yanda bugga nukkarnt They went.
FUTUEE TENSE.
Ngaap lokka nukka ■ - - - I will go.
Ngoora lokka nukka - - - . Thou wilt go.
Yanda lokka nukka - ■ - - He will go, &c.
And so on.
BETWEEN THE LACHLAN, MURRAY, & DARLING. 287
Striking-
WooKooRN — To Strike.
wokkilant. | Struck -
- wok-koornt.
Ngaie wokka
Ngoora wokka
Yiima wokka
PRESENT TENSE,
- I strike.
- Thou strikest.
- He strikes.
Nganni wokka - - We strike.
Ngooua wokka - - You strike.
Yanda lokka wokka - They strike.
PERFECT TENSE.
Ngaie wokkoornt
Ngoora wokkoornt
I struck.
Thou struckest,
Ngaie ngoora wokka koorndi nungung.
I you strike to-morrow sun.
God made man. God said not good man alone
— koityoomt nunna. — moothoort yittha kaangil nunna mowa
to dwell. Then (at the time) God made woman. First woman
lewin.
Ngoomantha rooan
Eve.
Eve.
Eve was wife of Adam.
Eve — malool — Adam.
— kooiyoornt pirup. Mipurn pirup
Adam is father of the Blackfellow :
Adam — beith wemum da Nunna :
father of the Whites. Eve the mother of the (belonging to)
beith wemum da Waipella. Eve — ngaak wernum da
Blacks; mother of the Whites; mother of all.
Nmma; ngaak wernum da Waipella; ngaak kurgurnum.
288
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
No. 88.— YIT-THA.
By J. A. Maobonald, Esq,
Kangaroo -
- boolyoker.
Hand-
- waing.
Opossum -
wok-kuai.
2 Blacks -
thral nunna,
Tame dog ■
Wild dog -•
ngeining or
ngcinth.
3 Blacks -
thoral nunna.
- thral mo nunna
Emu -
bungaia or trun-
One -
- mo.
gain.
Two -
- thral.
Black duck
kurabuug.
Three
- thral mo.
Wood duck
woorna.
Four -
- thral thral.
Pelican - - nenangoo.
Laughing jackass thoopunk.
Native companion quirk.
White cockatoo - kunth.
Father
Mother
Sister-Elder
- beith.
- ngaaka.
- maiook.
Crow
toolang.
„ Younger
.
Swan
Egg -
Track of a foot -
koolthoo.
belt.
yerimp.
Brother-Elder - kom, komma.
,, Younger
Fish -
A young man
- olquong nunna.
Lobster
An old man
- beuk.
Crayfish
Mosquito -
- thappool.
bungiank, bun-
gerang
An old woman
A baby
- koram-koram.
- pelai.
Fly -
- thill.
A White man
- kommaitch.
Snake-
The Blacks
A Blackfellow
- nalmo, nulma.
ker nunna.
nunna.
Children -
Head-
- pelai-pelai,
- derrart.
A Black woman
■ pirurp.
Eye -
■ laong or laank
Nose-
■ kaap.
Ear -
- maorl.
BETWEEN THE LACHLAN, MURRAY, & DARLING.
289
No. 88. — Yit-tha — contmued.
Mouth
moorn.
Boomerang
Teeth
treurk.
Hill -
Hair of the head derart. |
Wood-
woodtha, nga
Beard
kaart.
rong.
Stone -
maak.
Thunder -
mundara.
Grass
thelim.
Camp -
traarp.
Tongue
Stomach -
mert.
- mirt.
Yes -
No -
eiye or ye-ye.
yit-tha.
Breasts
- paap.
I-
ngaap.
Thigh
- nunt.
You -
- ngooro.
Foot -
- thinna.
Bark -
- ngoort.
Bone -
- kaam, biim.
Good -
■ kaangil.
Blood -
- korook.
Bad -
- look.
Skin -
- look.
Sweet
- kaangil.
Fat -
- kirt.
Food -
- thaap.
Bowels
- baagmirt.
Hungry
- ngow-ngow-mun.
Excrement -
- koorn.
Thirsty
- konooluu.
War-spear -
- maileba.
. Eat -
- thaia
Reed-spear
Wommera or
throwiug-stick
Shield
- ngoroot.
ngaak.
- murkaang, boo-
Sleep -
Drink-
Walk -
- yimma.
- ngokoloo.
- nikka.
rar.
See -
- look, nithe.
Tomahawk -
- thariing.
Sit -
- lewa.
Canoe■
- yoongui, ko-
Yesterday -
- kaalkun.
kwunk.
To-day
- yinnark nunk
Sun -
- nunk.
(this sun).
Moon -
- baidjh.
To-morrow-
- koorndi nunk.
Star -
- dingi.
Where are the
winya nunna ?
Light -
- biak, birarka.
Blacks ?
Dark -
- roin.
I don't know
- winya (?) . or
Cold -
-
yitta ngai yewin
not I know.
Heat -
Day -
- wilyar.
- nunk.
Plenty
Big -
- kurgur.
- yoorong.
Night
- roin.
Little-
- marlong.
Fire -
- ngaroong.
Dead -
- yootmurn.
Water
- ngok.
By-and-by -
- moinjalla, wai
Smoke
- toomp.
ar-ing.
Ground
- ngait.
Come on -
- nukUa.
Wind-
- wiirrit.
Milk -
-
Rain -
- maggur.
Eaglehawk
-
God -
-
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
-
1 Wife -
VOL. II.
T
BOOK THE EIGHTH.
T 2
BOOK THE EIGHTH.
PREFATORY REMARKS.
This book contains what I have to record in connection with
the tribes in the eastern portion of the Central Division.
Whether the tribes described at Nos. 138, 139, and 140
ought to be included in this instead of in the Eastern
Division it is impossible to determine on the small amount
of information I have been able to obtain concerning them,
for I have no accounts of their manners, and besides in both
language and manners neighbouring tribes often take some-
thing from each other. The matter, however, is not of much
importance.
As one can examine no considerable section of the Aus-
tralian race, homogeneous though it be, without meeting
something of interest peculiar to it, we are not surprised to
discover a few novel features in the manners of the tribes
described in this book. The first to be noticed is the
existence on the banks of the Gregory of a neutral ground,
150 miles long by 50 miles wide, which has been reserved,
by the common consent of several tribes, for the purpose of
holding their meetings. This seems a happy arrangement,
294 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
for the Blacks, who delight in large gatherings, are usually-
obliged to curtail them on account of the quantity of food
it costs a tribe on whose territory a meeting takes place.
And here it may be noticed that when a tribe entertains
another it does not, save in exceptional cases, supply food;
but allows its guests to help themselves to what is obtain-
able on its lands.
Another still more remarkable feature in the manners of
some of these tribes is the prevalence of monogamy, a cir-
cumstance not heretofore mentioned in any of the works
which treat of our Blacks. The existence of this practice
was first touched on in my description of a small tribe on
the west coast called Yercla Meening. In the present book
we find it prevailing in the two tribes, one described at No.
106, and the other at No. 107. Hence the fact is men-
tioned by three independent witnesses. That one of my two
contributors to No. 107 has reported the present existence
of polygamy in the Birria, one of the tribes in question,
does not surprise me, as it is stated that a large proportion
of the males were shot down before they were allowed to
" come in " to the station, when the men, finding themselves
less in number than the females, would certainly betake
themselves to polygamy. That monogamy did exist in this
tribe prior to the disturbance caused by the advent of our
settlers I have no doubt.
As regards the portions of the territories of most of
the first ten tribes dealt with in this book, it has been
found impossible to map them with any accuracy, the
accounts received being irreconcilable in this particular. It
seems probable that some tracts of country were hunted
over by more than one tribe.
I have heard mentioned as a well-known fact, that either
one or two old cocoanut trees, I forget which, have been
found growing on the mainland of Australia, and, if I
remember rightly, in the country of the tribes which are
treated of in this book. Since then our settlers have made
PREFATORY REMARKS. 295
some plantations of these trees. What story is connected
with the one or two trees which grew previous to our occu-
pation ? Had the nuts from which they sprung arrived in
some canoe with castaways, and, if so, what became of its
human freight ; or had they simply drifted to our coast,
been washed ashore, and grown ? At any rate a passing
interest attaches to these trees, as they are the only proof
we have of anything having reached this continent from the
outside world, possibly during the lapse of many centuries.
296
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 89.— EASTWAED OF THE NICHOLSON RIVER
AND BETWEEN THAT RIVER AND THE COAST.
YANGARELLA TRIBE.
By Edward Cukb, Esq.
The reader will notice that hair and
numbers 93 and 94,
grass in this vocabulary, as well as in
have some affinity.
Kangaroo -
jaco-jaco.
Hand -
malda.
Opossum -
- maleanda.
2 Blacks -
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu -
Black duck -
"nawooa.
wangir.
■ chabadoo.
3 Blacks -
One -
Two -
chadra.
chiarnga.
Wood duck -
-
Three -
tamgilda.
Pelican
parooa.
Pour -
Laughing jackass
Pather
candado.
Native companion giradilgoora.
White cockatoo - ngamala.
Crow - - - wongoola.
Swan -
Mother
Sister-Elder
„ Younger -
namado.
kemagi.
Egg - -
crowa.
Brother-Elder
taboogoo.
Track of a foot
tyarra.
,, Youngei
kimagi.
Pish -
Lobster
Crayfish -
Mosquito -
Ply .
Snake -
yakooli.
kalaranga.
yirgooda.
palangali.
A young man
An old man
An old woman ■
A baby
A White man
ooroonda.
padolo.
moolgoori.
cognara.
kando-kando
The Blacks -
A Blaokfellow
wompoora.
choigno.
Children -
Head -
moolia.
A Black woman -
magooa,
Eye -
miboolda.
Noge -
kirca,
Ear
maralda.
EASTWARD OF THE NICHOLSON RIVER.
297
No. 89
— Eartwakd of Nicholson Rivee <
Mouth - ,
wollara.
Boomerang -
Teeth -
tarmauda.
Hill -
Hair of the head
boolda.
Wood -
Beard -
tookanda.
Stone -
Thunder -
Camp -
Grass -
- boolda.
Yes -
Tongue
tchamganunga.
No -
Stomach
pardaga.
I
Breasts
moonira.
You -
Thigh -
■ kooldoora.
Bark -
Foot -
- chama.
Good -
Bone -
chulda.
Bad -
Blood -
kando.
Sweet -
Skin -
■ tarara
Food -
Fat -
ooira.
Hungry
Bowels
tulda.
Excrement -
toilda.
Thirsty
War-spear -
miloori.
Eat
Reed-spear -
kooboorama.
Sleep -
Wommera or
pirri.
Drink -
throwing-stick
Walk -
Shield-
- chardia.
See -
Tomahawk -
■ karawa.
Sit
Canoe -
Sun -
- warkooa.
Yesterday -
Moon -
- kooroba.
To-day
Star - , -
koogigi.
To-morrow -
Light -
Where are the
Dark -
Blacks?
Cold -
goorinda.
I don't know
Heat -
- nirtanita.
Day -
- yanda.
Plenty
Night -
- karwigi.
Big -
Fire -
ngiada.
Little -
Water-
- mookooa.
Dead -
Smoke
- noorara.
By-and-by -
Ground
- doolga.
Come on
Wind -
- womgalda.
Milk -
Rain -
_
Eaglehawk -
God -
- pargigi.
Wild turkey
Ghosts
■ worldala.
Wife -
298
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 90.— BUEKETOWN.
By Thomas Coward, Esq., Inspector of Native Police.
The gentleman to whose kindness I am indebted for this
vocabulary of the language spoken at and near Burketown
informs me that he obtained it from Police-trooper Vicq, a
native of the locality. Burketown is distant about 450 miles
from the Adelaide Eiver, being at the head of the Gulf of
Carpentaria, lat. 17° 30' south, long. 139° 40' east or there-
abouts.
The equivalents of the words eye, teeth, beard, tongue,
fire, and walk point to the connection of this with the other
Australian languages in general.
No. 90.— BURKETOWN.
By Thomas Coward, Esq., Inspector op Native Police.
Kangaroo -
- boongaua.
Hand -
- nungurra.
Opossum -
wahbera.
2 Blacks -
-
Tame dog -
3 Blacks -
_
Wild dog -
goodo.
One -
- tualnu.
Emu ■■
Black duck
boolongena.
beangora.
Two -
■ digana.
Wood duck
yabbra - mondon-
Three -
- tangilla.
gera.
Four -
• ticantallio duaUio
Pelican
yokkorara.
Father
- kihadgy.
Laughing jackass
talgora.
Mother
- gondonga.
Native companion dilla-dulkoora.
Sister-Blder
- ongoora-bunga.
White cockatoo ■
dialpoarra.
„ Younger
,
Crow -
Swan -
wongoola.
goonangoda.
Brother-Elder
- nuugai.
Egg -
yabbeba.
Younger
Track of a foot
gungy.
A young man
- koolangaUy.
Fish -
warra.
An old man
- birdyniarra.
Lobster
_
Crayfish
- mintoola.
An old woman
- wirdigarry.
Mosquito -
- kallanarra.
A baby
- bildingoora.
Fly .
• wooniarra.
A White man
- birda.
Snake -
- balangara.
Children -
- woorara.
The Blacks -
- yungunna.
Head -
- wirda.
A Blackf ellow
- nurka.
A Black woman
- ma,go.
Eye -
- midialla.
Nose -
- kuira.
Ear -
- murra.
BURKETOWN.
ayy
No. 90. — BuRKETOWN — Continued.
Mouth-
■ burka.
Boomerang -
Teeth -
- lia.
Hill -
Hair of the head
- booloomba.
Wood -
wiUadalhundy.
Beard -
- yarrania.
Stone -
kabirda.
Thunder
- birdmirra.
Camp -
nidda.
Grass -
- guma.
Yes -
- ne-a.
Tongue
- talnia.
Stomach
- boolgee.
No
- wirninga.
Breasts
- nookoola.
I
kooronya.
Thigh -
- bilba.
You -
- unna.
Foot -
- ganga.
Bark -
- kooroomba.
Bone -
- dimara.
Good -
- boorooga.
Blood -
- duckana.
Bad -
- toorka.
Skin -
- backeroo.
Sweet -
- karal-karella.
Fat ■
- buranga.
Food -
- larcoola.
Bowels
- durra.
Hungry
- noUo.
Excrement -
- malina.
Thirsty
- normundo.
War-spear -
- warinwarrina.
Bat -
- diehdie.
Reed-spear -
Wommera or
- woring.
peery.
Sleep -
- yongoyou.
throwing-stick
Drink
- owondinny.
Shield -
- tardoona.
Walk -
- yankia.
Tomahawk -
- tardiabona.
See -
- nowaba.
Canoe -
- kamera.
Sit -
- ninya.
Sun .
- tiringana.
Yesterday -
- kouondua. ■
Moon -
- ballanichi.
To-day
- yananinga.
Star -
- barinia.
To-morrow -
- kaontoongara.
Light -
- kaondonarai.
Where are the
dame nar
Dark -
- kavondi.
Blacks ?
kommo?
Cold -
- woorine.
Heat -
Day -
- yalooloo.
- balmau - malla-
I don't know
- wandong nangy
goorda.
malla.
Plenty
- yonkoona.
Night -
- milHmarda,
Big - -
- koonamera.
Fire -
- willa.
Little -
- bilgingoora.
Water -
- wudha.
Dead -
- bookiana.
Smoke
- toomburna.
By-and-by -
- gedanda niadja.
Ground
- koorda.
Come on
- nidja.
Wind -
- wirramirra.
Milk -
-
Rain -
- boollolungana.
Eaglehawk -
God -
-
WUd turkey
-
Ghosts
.
Wife -
-
300 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 91.— THE MOUTH OF THE LEIGHAEDT EIVER.
By W. E. Armit, Esq.
The following vocabulary and information relative to the
tribe which occupies the country on the eastern side of the
embouchure of the Leichardt River I owe to the kindness of
Mr. W. E. Armit, Sub-inspector of Native Police, as also
some particulars concerning several other tribes.
Mr. Armit says that children in this tribe inherit the
names of their fathers, a statement which, I think, requires
confirmation, as such a practice would often conflict with
what seems to be the general custom of not naming the dead.
He also says that many tribes have crests or totems, and
gives the following instances, viz. : —
Ngarra is the name of a tribe on the Leichardt Eiver
whose crest is a shell on each cheek.
The Eugoola Tribe, on the Nicholson River, paint a suc-
cession of hooks on each arm.
The Myabi tribe, on the Saxby, paint a snake on their
shields.
The Mayagoondoon, between the Leichardt and Gilbert
Rivers, wear, as their crest, a band with pendulous kangaroo
teeth round the forehead.
The Mayatagoorri wear a belt painted with red ochre, in
imitation of the meshes of a net.
MOUTH OP THE LEICHARDT RIVER. 301
The Naungaun, a tribe between the Norman and Gilbert
Rivers, wear beneath the biceps of each arm an armlet made
of opossum hair, with pendants of the same material.
The Mygoolan, a tribe on the sea-coast, at the mouth of
the Ennasleigh, wear two rings of opossum hair, with pen-
dants on each leg, one above the knee and the other on the
calf.
Eeturning to the particular tribe treated of, Mr. Armit
remarks that to denote any number above four, the hands
are opened and shut until the desired number has been in-
dicated, the person exclaiming at the same time Ounbala-
gala ! Gunbalagala ! — i.e., good many.
When the eldest son is old enough to be considered a
man, the father leaves the camp, nor does he return for
about three months, when the whole tribe meet him at the
place from which he took his departure, and a grand cor-
roboree ensues. They say that the eldest son is " no good."
This custom is evidently but partially understood. This
tpibe believe in a Good Spirit,' and that after death they will
become White men; but as they have only lately known of
the existence of White men, this belief must be of very
modern date.
The ceremony of making young men is carried on in
camps marked in a peculiar way, and at these Mr. Armit has
seen painted on a conspicuous tree, with red ochre or blood,
the figure of a hand. The same sign he has also seen
chopped on the bark of a tree. To mark a clean surface with
a dirty, greasy, or painted hand is a common practice of our
Blacks, and I have se6n them do it on several places long
distances apart. It seems to me a practice of no significance,
unless it be the first step in imitative art.
During the period of menstruation the woman removes
a little way from the camp, and remains in seclusion.
Should a man cross her track at such a time it would be
considered an evil omen, and the woman probably be brained
to appease the anger of the Evil Spirit. In like manner
302 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
men have a dread of women stepping over them when lying
down, for it is believed that sickness or death follows.
Mr. Armit concludes his very interesting letter in this
way: — " You may, however, glean a few scraps here and there
which I trust will repay you for reading my long epistle,
which, however, I must still elongate to touch on another
alleged custom, or rather society, which some gentlemen
believe exists amongst the aborigines of Queensland. I
allude to their freemasonry, or words and signs known to
each other. In this I am a total disbeliever. That they
have signs and signals by which they may recognize one
another at a distance, or signal danger, such as 'Police about,'
I thoroughly know, as I have often witnessed them; but
these are very different things from a systematic arrange-
ment of signs, symbols, and words, by which a man from one
tribe could find immunity from outrage in passing through
another tribe's territory. The former are simply necessary
things which every animal makes use of to warn its mates.
The latter I do not believe to exist, nor do I think the
intellectual powers of the aboriginal sufficiently developed to
invent such a system. That the Blacks up here can and do
understand certain words from southern dialects is very
true, but the transition from one dialect to another is so
gradual that many words are retained common to all,
though very possibly of totally different signification in any
two or three dialects. Thus we see a Black show signs of
pleasure on hearing a trooper from the Maranoa using a
word which he understands in his own sense and becomes
quite delighted at the sound, which he will repeat two or
three times. This has been termed a system of freemasonry,
and, in conjunction with the crests they use, has been pointed
out as a sign of intellectual power which they never pos-
sessed. The two should be kept separate, for I see no affinity
between them whatever."
In Mr. Armit's vocabulary the equivalents for ear, teeth,
beard, foot, throwing-stick, tomahawk, and fire resemble
those in the Normantown or Micoolan language, some
MOUTH OF THE LEICHARDT RIVER. 303
seventy miles to tlie eastward. He also gives the following
names of tribes on the Leichardt River: —
Djargirra, or People belonging to the fresh-water.
Djinumarra, or People belonging to the salt-water.
Gooran, or People belonging to the scrub.
The following words are additional: —
Demon - - - Dibir.
Good Spirit - - - Mandja.
Southern Cross - - - Ganyi-ganyi.
Venus - - . Boogar.
304
THE AUSTRALIAli RACE:
No. 91.— MOUTH OP THE LEICHAEDT RIVER.
By W. E. Aemit,
Kangaroo -
majumba.
Opossum
kardilla.
Tame dog -
yalba.
Wild dog -
Emu -
Black duck -
bindtirra.
Wood duck -
Pelican
Laughing jackass
jarungool.
Native companioi)
parumba.
White cockatoo -
Crow - - -
wya.
Swan - - -
Egg -
tandoo.
Track of a foot -
wooya.
Fish -
wokkai.
Lobster
ruja.
Crayfish
Mosquito -
wungui.
Fly -
Snake
dulburru.
The Blacks -
A Blackfellow -
yirrman.
A Black woman -
baula.
Nose -
gunyi.
Hand -
- maUa.
2Blacks -
- kurbayia yirr
man.
3 Blacks -
- matta yirrman.
One -
- wongarri.
Two -
- kurbayia.
Three -
- matta.
Four -
- murgoo.
Father
- kumalla.
Mother
- mujoo.
Sister-Elder
-
,, Younger
Brother-Elder
-
„ Young
3r
A young man
- kalbi.
An old man
- muddoo-muddoo
An old woman
- moa.
A baby
- pajamuUa.
A White man
- moombi.
Children
- murgoo.
Head -
- tchigi.
Eye -
- tibarri.
Ear -
- binna.
MOUTH OF THE LEICHARDT RIVER
305
No. 91.
— MO0TH OF THE LeICHAEDT RiVEE
—continued.
Mouth
- lerra.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- yerngandi.
Hill -
-
Hair of the head
- wallooln.
Wood -
- mada.
Beard -
- yanba.
Stone -
.
Thunder -
-
Camp -
Grass
- kadir.
Yea -
- kullilli.
Tongue
- mooni.
Stomach -
- koodna.
No -
- yaddi.
Breasts
- mundji-mundji.
I
- yundou.
Thigh -
- langiu.
You -
- uayou.
Foot -
- tinna.
Bark -
- yagarri.
Bone -
- mada.
Good -
- manja.
Blood -
- majaugo.
Bad -
■ kakai.
Skin -
- yogale.
Sweet -
- tamban.
Fat -
- gamirr.
Food -
- yaddii.
Bowels
- turburr.
Excrement -
- dulla.
Hungry
- yadda.
War-spear -
- kungoon.
Thirsty
- yaddingayoo
Reed-spear -
- tabarra.
Eat -
- yadda.
Wommera or
eurman.
Sleep -
- woogamba.
throwing-stick
Drink -
- wooga.
Shield
- wallauja.
Walk -
- kurrai.
Tomahawk -
- marrea.
See -
• namalbadda.
Canoe -
-
Sit -
- inai.
Sun -
- burril.
Yesterday -
- birringa.
Moon -
- barngan.
To-day
- nilla.
Star -
- yalli.
Light -
- wudja.
To-morrow -
~
Dark -
- mulla.
Where are
the yirrmandan
Blacks?
dana?
Cold -
■ yirringa.
Heat -
- tammoon.
I don't know
- yaddi galao.
Day -
- mandja.
Plenty
-
Night - -
-
Big - -
-
Fire -
- yangoo.
Little -
- niun-niun.
Water
- yabboo.
Dead -
- moriana.
Smoke
- tooba.
By-and-by -
- wurru.
Ground
- magi.
Come on
- kabbiyao.
Wind-
-
Milk -
-
Rain -
- kalga.
Eaglehawk -
-
God - -
- wongaringe.
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
-
Wife -
VOL. II.
U
306 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 92.— MOUTH OF THE EIVEE NOEMAN.
By W. E. Abmit, Lstspectok of Native Mounted Police.
The country of the Karrandee tribe is on the Grulf of
Carpentaria, commencing at the mouth of the Eiver Bynoe,
and continuing along the coast, after passing the embouchure
of the Norman, to a salt-water creek within fifteen miles of
the mouth of the Gilbert : inland it extends to Magowra
Station, and on to Walker's Creek, and contains about two
thousand square miles. This country, or a part of it, was
first occupied by the "Whites in about 1866. In 1875, when
my informant first knew the tribe, it numbered some 250
persons, but is now reduced by the rifle and syphilis to 160
souls, made up of 50 men, 70 women, and 40 children.
Women rarely being shot, it seems from these figures that
90 men of this tribe fell before the rifle.
This tribe go naked, like all others in Northern Australia,
and a fair proportion of them, for the most part females, seem
to be sixty years of age. They erect during certain seasons
dome-shaped huts made of grass and sticks, which, mosqni-
tos being numerous, they completely fill with smoke before
retiring for the night, and entering quickly fill up the aper-
ture with grass. By degrees the smoke escapes. Their
ornaments present no peculiarities, and like all other tribes
we know of, they smear their persons with fat and red ochre
when dancing the corroboree. The wommera and a two-
handed club, which they color red, white, or yellow, are in
use, as also the boomerang. They have besides the common
koolaman, or wooden water-trough. Their principal articles
of food are rats, snakes, wallaby, and sharks, also dngong,
turtle, and other sorts of fish, and besides several sorts of
MOUTH OF THE RIVER NORMAN.
307
roots and the fruit of the mangrove; all of which are cooked
on the coals or in ovens. In the southern portions of Aus-
tralia it is common to cook at certain favorite spots,
hence our ovens or ash-heaps ; but such is not the case in
the North. Eestrictions as regards certain sorts of food
obtain, and food being very abundant, cannibalism does not
exist in this tribe. Marriage in the Karrandee tribe is
endogamous, and regulated by classes, some of which are
called Mooroob, Heyanbo, Lenai, Koanga, and Yelet. A few
of the men have as many as four, and one six, wives.
Females become wives when mere children, and mothers at,
it is said, twelve years of age. Married couples often seem
much attached. Lung disease appears to have been common
before our occupation, and syphilis is now exterminating the
tribe. The customs of scarring the skin and piercing the
septum of the nose prevail, and some have teeth knocked
out. The general height of the men is a little under 5 feet
8 inches, but some reach 6 feet 3 inches. The rights of
manhood are conferred by means of secret ceremonies.
Message-sticks accompany vivA voce messages of importance
between portions of the tribe camped a distance apart. The
following Additional Words are given by Mr. Armit : —
Crab - -
- gomi.
Tree -
- bilbar.
Ray -
- rowal.
Water-trough
- yerkal.
Uncle
- miartuk.
Steamer
- yerkal.
Aunt -
- nuUata.
Tobacco-pipe
-. beyal.
Cousin
- pata.
Red ochre -
- perra.
Hawk -
- reangal.
308
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 92.— MOUTH OP THE NORMAN.
By W. E. Akmit, Esq.
Kangaroo -
gooalek.
Hand -
maar.
Opossum
ungorr.
2 Blacks -
aam buggar
Tame dog -
irruag.
3 Blacks -
aam orinoh.
Wild dog -
One -
lum.
Emu -
■ tarmar.
Two -
buggar.
Black duok -
- neur.
Three -
orinch.
Wood duck -
- char.
Pour -
Pelican - - nyumiaggar.
Laughing jackass kerreg.
Father
nyet.
Native companion kor-kor.
Mother
mooruk. _
White cockatoo
Sister-Elder
nuUatr.
Crow -
- polleet.
„ Younger
Swan -
Brother-Elder
paata.
Egg - -
- taum.
,, Younger
Track of a foot
- ain.
A young man
karnert.
Pish -
- kurmbaiar.
Lobster
- laamballay.
An old man
kiniart.
Crayfish
- ndaag.
An old woman
mungiaert.
Mosquito -
- lal.
A baby
chuckor.
Ply -
- nyal.
A White man
- morub.
Snake -
- teU.
Children
- ngongorr.
The Blacks -
- ngaan.
A Blackf ellow
- aam.
Head -
- lagal.
A Black woman
- nok-nok.
Eye -
- ale.
Nose -
- owoo.
Ear -
- nulliak.
MOUTH OP THE RIVER NORMAN.
309
No. 92.— Mouth of the Nokman— coniJmaecZ.
Mouth
- aag.
Boomerang -
- ngel.
Teeth -
- ngaal.
Hill -
_
Hair of the head- taak.
Wood -
- bayal.
Beard -
• Ibar.
Stone -
- urrayam.
Thunder -
Grass -
- urray.
- guan.
Camp -
- toaak.
Tongue
- ndara.
Yes -
- yiel.
Stomach
- worr.
No
- ar.
Breasts
- yoong.
I -
- mirriangle.
Thigh -
- lar.
You -
- nomoon.
Foot -
- aaen.
Bark -
- ungorr.
Bone -
■ mog.
Good -
- babrar.
Blood -
- yaang.
Bad -
- umwal.
Skin -
- baab.'
Sweet -
- erryangool.
Fat -
- yambara.
Food -
- goondoolgoon-
Bowels
- laamba.
"doo.
Excrement -
- oong.
Hungry
- terrinjoin.
War-spear -
- aalga.
Thirsty
- rowal.
Reed-apear -
- oerma.
Eat -
- errealk.
Wommera or
throwing-stiok
ngiel.
Sleep -
- ngoeur.
Shield
- kullyar.
Drink -
- baal.
Tomahawk -
- tchuggar.
Walk -
- rowarmungle.
Canoe
- nye.
See -
- yielgang.
Sun -
- rarm.
Sit -
- yebaag.
Moon -
- ulkyan.
Yesterday -
- errowar.
Star -
- laohe.
To-day
- ngurrowar.
Light -
- lullumgor.
To-morrow -
- nurrowar-
Dark
- arreal.
poppoi.
Cold - -
- lawn.
Where are
the amettaa telloo ?
Heat -
- arelberelb.
Blacks ?
Day -
- kiingel-kungel.
I don't know
- errag naye.
Night - -
- ny.
Plenty
- wakootal.
Fire -
- umbyal.
Big -
- aihn.
Water
- baal.
Little -
- chukkoor.
Smoke
- goan.
Dead - ' -
- garter.
Ground
- tooak.
By-and-by ■•
- yagunga.
Wind -
- tara.
Come on
- rurri jarganga.
Rain -
- urpure.
Milk -
-
God - -
- mbyal wakoot-
Eaglehawk
-
alga.
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
- poiin.
Wife -
-
310 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 93.— MIDDLE NORMAN.
By W. E. Armit, Esq., Inspectob op Police, and Lyndon PoiaNDESiEE,
Esq., Sub-inspectob of Police.
Of the language of the WoUongurmee tribe I have received
two vocabularies, one from Mr. William E. Armit, Inspector
of Police, the other from Mr. Lyndon Poigndestre, Sub-
inspector of Police, of which the former is inserted. Mr.
Armit informs me that this tribe inhabit the country from
the embouchure of the Norman to the ranges below Cam-
bridge Creek. As, however, he has already assigned the
mouth of the Norman to the Karrandee tribe, I am at a loss
where to locate the WoUongurmee on the map, and have
placed it on the Middle Norman as most probably the
correct position. The men of this tribe, said Mr. Armit
when he wrote to me in 1882, are bold and hostile, fine
athletic fellows, of a coppery color, with curly hair, who
make frequent raids on their neighbours, and murder a
White man now and then when opportunity offers. When
pushed for food they practise cannibalism. Their neighbours
on the south side, says Mr. Armit, are the Mikkoolan, and
on the south-west the tribes of the Leichardt, statements
which are irreconcilable with others which have reached me.
It is most unusual to find a language which differs so
much from its neighbours and those of Australia generally
as this. Except in the equivalents oi fish, teeth, and you, I
MIDDLE NORMAN. 311
find no words which occur in other vocabularies. The
agreement in night and dark is almost the only other
Australian characteristic which I observe. The manners
and implements of the tribe, as far as I am informed of
them, are those common on the continent.
In addition to the vocabulary, Mr. Armit gives me the
following phrases : —
Where did you sleep last night ? - Inda takell munna ?
Where are you going to sleep to- Indo takell munnar gar ?
night?
Don't sing out . . . . Indo arra kepmer mundar.
Where is Tommy ? - - - - Takke Tommio ?
I am hungry Mairrairrur naidje.
Don't be frightened - - - Mart marroor apmell jendoor.
Take me to your camp - - - Innoo arroorroor lemeneri daiger.
Come down Indo arrurrunular.
Where water? . . . . Arkkawer tikkeUow ?
With regard to the equivalents of you, indo, inda, innoo,
and other terms, I have been particularly careful to see that
they are given as I received them.
312
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 93.— MIDDLE NORMAN.
By W. E. Armit, Esq.
Kangaroo
orthur.
Hand -
- orunnoor.
Opossum -
woombur.
2 Blacks -
-
Tame dog -
uoughtnoommer.
3 Blacks -
.
Wild dog -
One -
- orter.
Emu -
heerkoolar.
Black duck -
ooltukkuUer
Two -
- gauUoor.
Wood duck
kur-kur-kur.
Three -
- orrinjay.
Pelican
arthurur,
Four -
-
Laughing jackass
rulgeear.
Father
- uwer.
Native compauioD
koorur-koorur.
Mother
- albeyarroor.
White' cockatoo
painduller.
Crow -
arther.
Sister-Elder
- annellar.
Swan -
(does not occur).
„ Younger
-
Egg -
- kowper.
Brother-Elder
- allLngother.
Track of a foot
,, Younger koyer.
Fish -
- balpee.
A young man
- dairurkoona.
Lobster
- yandurrer.
An old man
- arquenna.
Crayfish
- elparra.
An old woman
- toinjure.
Mosquito
- etnawlyer.
A baby
- koichittoo.
Fly -
- anur.
Snake -
- orugur.
A White man
- oinger.
The Blacks -
- arpmoor.
Children
- gonegoorur.
A Blackfellow
-
Head -
- attaiger.
*A Black woman mongine.
Eye -
- eller.
Nose -
- oorkellar,warrur.
Ear -
- woraellar.
* 1. Pc
igndestre,
MIDDLE NORMAN.
313
93. — Middle Norman — corairmed.
Mouth
- oowerur.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- yeerur.
Hill -
-
Hair of the head
- elgooennoor.
Wood -
- koorur.
Beard -
- alpaira.
Stone -
- roongoolur.
Thunder -
- chalquar.
Camp -
- allerooroor.
Grass -
- quennur.
Yes -
- eeyo, yee, ee.
Tongue
- dalrroor.
No -
- arro.
Stomach
- noomber.
I
- eeyoor.
Breasts
- yungur.
You -
- inda, innoo.
Thigh -
- arwoorroor.
Bark -
- ortter.
Foot -
- eatnoor.
Good -
- moonyerror.
Bone -
- orkur.
Bad -
- karnyer.
Blood -
- eerroor.
Sweet -
-
Skin -
-
Food -
-
Fat -
- yambairrer.
Hungry
- mairrairrur.
Bowels
- nambairrer (?).
Thirsty
- bengur, murrule
Excrement -
.
mundoor.
War-spear -
- alkur.
Eat -
- arweeroor, tyur
Reed-spear -
- allgorur.
goondoor.
Wommera or
engellar.
Sleep -
- quenditmayer.
throwing-stick
Drink -
- arkwayennoor.
Shield
- koonburrar.
Walk -
- arattwaner-
Tomahawk -
- gwarringyur.
bunda.
Canoe -
- orrukkur
See - ■ -
- lenderelder.
Sun -
- yennoor.
Sit -
- nocknoonnoon-
Moon -
- arkkenna.
dur.
Star -
- arllyyer.
Yesterday -
- tarhn.
Light -
- amdellur.
To-day
- laymer.
Dark -
- ballpuller.
To-morrow -
- yennar.
Cold -
- kerramerrer
Where are
the tak-ke-arpmoor
Heat -
- alwoonergoongee
Blacks ?
I don't know
- ambitcka.
Day -
- yendunenmun-
der.
Plenty
- walkoor.
Night -
- ballpuUergetter.
Big - -
- armoorur.
Fire -
- tenner.
Little -
- jura.
Water
- ark-kawar.
Dead -
- arrembunnur.
Smoke
- orknoor.
By-and-by -
- laymoorgoorar.
Ground
- arroorroor.
Come on
- kow-way.
Wind-
_
MUk -
-
Rain -
- roanunuller.
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
.
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
.
Wife -
-
314
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 94.— ON THE WEST BANK OF THE LEICHAEDT
EIVEE, NEAE THE SEA.
MDTGIN TRIBE.
By Edwabd Cube, Esq.
In this vocabulary we have tullula = star, and milla=fire
and wood, and in the Ngorraialum language, almost at
the other extremity of the continent, we have toort and
wiin in the same senses. Note also the rendering of stone
and hill ; bad and dead.
No
. 94.— WEST OP
LEICHARDT RIVER.
By Edwabd Cuek, Esq.
Kaugaroo -
jaco-jaco.
Hand -
- na-nga-ra.
Opossum
wapoora.
2 Blacks -
_
Tame dog -
WUd dog -
Emu -
Black duck -
Wood duck
koodoo.
megilpurra.
poolunganna.
3 Blacks -
One -
Two -
Three - . -
- choamg-ngo
- tigina.
- tamgiltna.
Pelican
piteldoo.
Pour -
■
Laughing jackass
Father
- kiagi.
Native companion
pooralga.
Mother
- koondoonoo.
White cockatoo -
Crow -
Swan -
Egg - - -
Track of a foot -
karimbala.
wongoola.
ooabiba.
tyana.
Sister-Elder - yillolunga.
„ Younger -
Brother-Elder - nancile.
,, Younger birgenkoora.
Fish -
worra.
A young man
- ooroonda.
Lobster
An old man
- pardingara.
Crayfish
An old woman
- ooardigiri.
Mosquito -
My -
Snake -
The Blacks -
A Blackfellow -
kalaranga.
koorina.
paganbaba.
wompoora.
A baby
A White man
Children
Head -
- pelginooora.
- takandana,
- wedda.
A Black woman -
magoo.
Eye -
- migilla.
Nose -
kiwira
Ear -
- mara.
WEST BANK OF THE LEICHARDT RIVER.
315
No.
94.— West or Leicb
-ABDT BiiYEB,— continued.
Mouth
- parka.
Boomerang -
- wangiUa.
Teeth
- lia.
Hill -
- kabada.
Hair of the head
- boormba.
Wood -
- willa.
Beard -
- yarin-nga.
Stone -
- kabada.
Thunder -
-
Camp -
- nadda.
Grass -
- boolba.
Yes -
.
Tongue
- cham-nga.
No
Stomach
- pardaga.
I
Breasts
- makola.
Thigh - -
- bilba.
You -
-
Foot -
- changa.
Bark -
- pakooroo.
Bone -
- dimira.
Good -
- poorooga.
Blood -
- tagana.
Bad -
- pooga,
Skin -
- pagooroo.
Sweet -
- paranga {i.e.,
Fat -
- paranga.
honey).
Bowels
- turra.
Food -
-
Excrement -
- turra.
Hungry
- nuUu.
War-spear -
- mulgendara.
Thirsty
- noormoondo.
Beed-spear -
- ngoormi.
Eat -
- tara.
Wommera or
pirri.
Sleep -
- yungooyoo.
throwing-stick
Drink -
- chi-chi.
Shield
- oharpi.
Walk -
- yappoo.
Tomahawk -
- churiwindilla.
See -
.
Canoe -
.
Sun -
- chirinanna.
Sit -
- koonooyoo.
Moon -
- biringa.
Yesterday -
- yalundie.
Star -
- tuUula.
To-day
■ yanalinga.
Light -
.
To-morrow •
- kowoondoo.
Dark -
.
Where are
the tano ara mingoo ?
Cold - -
- goorina.
Blacks ?
Heat -
- ooaloola.
I don't know
-
Day -
- yanalinga.
Plenty
- wonapoora.
Night -
- kowoondi.
Big - -
- poolana.
Fire -
- willa.
Little
- pilgingoora.
Water
• wadda.
Dead
- pooga.
Smoke
- quia-quia.
By-and-by -
-
Ground
- koorda.
Come on
-
Wind -
- wormora.
Milk -
- nogoola.
Rain -
-
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
- churbooyo.
Wild turkey
- piringoora.
Ghosts
- parda.
Wife -
-
316
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 95.— LEICHARDT EIVEE, TWENTY MILES
BELOW KAMILAROI STATION.
This vocabulary of a language spoken on the Leichardt
River, twenty miles below the Kamilaroi Station, was sent
to me by my son, Mr. Edward Curr. Kamilaroi is not the
aboriginal name of the station, but merely a fancy name
given by its owners.
The sound of the letter v is found in this language;
No. 95.— LEICHARDT RIVER.
Hand -
2 Blacks -
3 Blacks -
One -
Two -
Three -
Four
Father
Mother
Sister-Elder
„ Younger -
Brother-Elder ■
„ Younger-
A young man
An old man
An old woman
A baby
A White man
Children
Head -
Eye -
Ear -
Kangaroo -
my-u-bee.
Opossum
ka-goin.
Tame dog -
mo-rool.
Wild dog -
Emu -
gon-do-lo.
Black duck -
toor-gu.
Wood duck-
Pelican
Laughing jackass
Native companion
White cockatoo -
koo-lo-ra.
Crow -
toon-ou-vrai.
Swan -
Egg - - -
Track of a foot -
chin-na
Fish -
balbi.
Lobster
Crayfish
choorn-gu.
Mosquito -
wan-gouin.
Fly -
ni-mo-loo.
Snake -
ma-no-wag-gi.
The Blacks -
in-goom.
A Blaokf ellow -
A Black woman -
poin-u.
Nose -
koo-ni.
- muUa.
war-m-gu.
koo-youn.
ny-yill-ey.
na-boor.
ya-bar-ri.
mo-a.
mo-do-mo-do.
ty-gall.
mi-goo-loo.
gi-gi-
ti-ba-ri.
phir-nur.
LEICHARDT RIVEE.
317
No. 95. — LlIOHARD
r 'RxTETi^-continued.
Mouth
- na-gu.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- yar-gan-di.
Hill -
.
Hair of the head - war-am-boo.
Wood -
- nor-goor.
Beard -
- yan-bar.
Stone -
- mo-rin-gi.
- mag-gi.
Thunder -
Grass -
- yam-ber-ri.
- yal-goon.
Camp -
Yes -
Tongue
- moo-ni.
- ga-vi-a.
Stomach
- na-boo-ra.
No
- yad-di.
Breasts
- tam-boo.
I-
-
Thigh -
- tar-ra.
You -
-
Foot -
- chin-na.
Bark -
- bimba.
Bone -
- mud-da.
Good -
- myn-ga.
Blood - -
- my-yung.
Bad -
- moor-da.
Skin - -
- ya-karr-li.
Sweet -
Fat -
- tan-goo.
Food -
Bowels
- tam-doo.
Hungry
.
Excrement -
- moon-ni.
Thirsty
.
War-spear -
- chin-do-verri.
Bat -
Reed-Bpear -
- koongoon.
Sleep -
- oo-kom-bi
Wommera or
youl-man.
Drink -
- na-bil-la.
throwing-stick
Shield -
- yam-boo-roo.
Walk -
- a-gi-la-gi.
Tomahawk -
- ma-re-a.
See -
-
Canoe -
-
Sit -
-
Sun -
- po-rill.
Yesterday -
- iriem.
Moon -
■ ge-ge-ra.
To-day
- ya-ta-li.
Star -
- chin-by.
To-morrow -
- uoo-la-ran
Light -
- pir-in-girr.
Where are
the
Dark -
- war-ran-ga.
Blacks ?
Cold -
• yen-ga.
I don't know
.
Heat -
- por-rid.
Plenty
.
Day -
Night - -
;
Big -
-
Fire -
- yan-ou.
Little -
- gar-noo.
Water
- ya-boo.
Dead -
- mo-re.
Smoke
- koo-mi-ri.
By-and-by -
Ground
- ma-ge-a.
Come on
- kabio.
Wind-
- koo-bin.
Milk -
-
Rain -
- na-bi la.
Eaglehawk -
-
God - -
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
-
Wife -
.
318 . THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
No. 96.— KAMILAEOI STATION.
LEICHARDT RIVER.— (Lat. 19° South, Long. 140°Eaat.)
Bt Mk. Montagtj Cube.
This vocabulary was forwarded to me by my brother, Mr.
Montagu Curr. In his accompanying letter he informs me
that the male Blacks in the Carpentaria country are well
grown and stout, and that instances of good looks amongst
them are not wanting; but that the women are ill-favored
as compared with the men and their sisters of the South, but
not undersized. The hair in this tribe is worn long, collected
in a knob on top of the head. Spears, tomahawks, boomer-
angs, wommeras, &c., are like those commonly found
throughout the continent. The status of young man is
conferred by secret ceremonies. On the occasion of a death
the women daub themselves with clay and howl, as in other
parts. Cannibalism prevails in a mitigated form.
Several contrivances are in use for protection against
mosquitos at night, which to a naked population like that
of Northern Australia are a perfect scourge. Amongst them
are coverlets made of grass, which are used occasionally, rude
bedsteads with a fire underneath, and beehive-shaped huts,
the doorways of which are closed to some extent by the
smoke of the fire.
KAMILAROI STATION. 319
This vocabulary has much in common with the foregoing
one, and some words general throughout the continent such
as bulla, which appears amongst the numerals.
320
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 96.— KAMILAROI.
By Montagu Ctter, Esq.
Kangaroo -
ngulanoo.
Hand -
- mala-roo.
Opossum -
ka-goo-in.
2 Blacks -
_
Tame dog -
yambe.
3 Blacks -
Wild dog -
Emu -
d-pingo-burri.
One -
- goreen.
Black duck
bin-dur-ra
Two -
- bulla.
Wood duck
wool-ad-dthoo.
Three -
- buUa-go-go-mn
Pelican
Four -
- in-ca-moo.
Laughing jackass
d'char-run
-gul.
Father
- mudjo.
Native companion d'tharwo-booga.
White cockatoo - koolera.
Mother
- yag-e-roo.
Crow
d'thong-oo
■boore.
Sister-Elder
- kool-a-moo.
Swan - - -
„ Younger
-
Egg - - -
d'thandoo.
Brother-Elder
-
Track of a foot -
d'janna.
,, Younger nga-boor.
Fish -
Lobster
bulbi.
A young man
An old man
- yab-bi-ree.
- mo-a.
Crayfish
jin-ju.
An old woman
- wom-me-ra.
Mosquito -
ong-go-in.
Fly - - -
melg-na.
A baby
- good-a-dthoo.
Snake -
A White man
- mud-dtha.
The Blacks -
Children
-
A Blackfellow -
bungil.
Head
- nganggul.
A Black woman -
bunya.
Eye -
- mills.
Nose -
goouyeen.
Ear -
- kun-dtha.
KAMILAROI STATION.
321
No. 96. — Kamilaro
I Station— con«i«Merf.
Mouth
- yar-jeen.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth
- yar-ra.
Hill -
_
Hair of the head - war-room-bo.
Wood
- bug-goo-roo
Beard
- yan-bur.
Stone -
- mim-dee.
Thunder
- yun-bur-ri.
Camp -
- wunjil-bo.
Grass -
- kud-tha.
Tongue
- mool-lun.
Yes -
- ngeea.
Stomach
- wy-yeer.
No -
- n'gumbi.
Breasts
- d'thunboo.
I
- ngiego.
Thigh - -
- mogo.
You -
- yundo.
Foot - -
- jenna.
Bark -
- bimba.
Bone -
- mo-goo-in.
Good - -
-
Blood - -
- go-ar-roo.
Bad ■
.
Skin -
- beya.
Sweet -
_
Fat -
- d'thun-go.
Food -
.
Bowels
- one-bun-go.
Hungry
- bulg-gnee.
Excrement -
- one-d'tho.
War-spear -
Reed-spear -
- kon-goon.
Thirsty
Eat -
- yur-be.
Wommera or
yule-man.
Sleep -
- wanjilbo.
thro wing-stick
Drink -
- barndthe
Shield
-
boodtha. .
Tomahawk -
- marlba.
Walk -
- wabe.
Canoe -
-
See -
-
Sun -
■ kum-ba.
Sit -
-
Moon -
- gug-a-ra.
Yesterday -
- boo-ru-gul.
Star -
- mindee.
To-day
- g'nowl.
Light -
- ber-u.
To-morrow -
- bering-a.
Dark - -
- wo-rang-a.
Where are
the
Cold -
- ye-ring-a.
Blacks?
Heat -
- mow-ing.
I don't know
Day .
_
Night
,
Plenty
- in-ca-moo.
Fire -
Water
- yang-oo.
- yab-boo.
Big -
Little -
- wunyee.
- djal-loo.
Dead -
- moo-gun.
Smoke
- koom-e-ree.
By-and-by -
- uUa.
Ground
- mug-air.
Come on
- kub-bee.
Wind-
- goo-bin.
Milk - ■■
-
Rain -
- yab-boo.'
Eaglehawk
-
God - -
-
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
-
Wife -
-
VOL. II.
!£
322 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 97.— BETWEEN THE GREGORY AND
LEIOHARDT RIVERS.
By M. S. Lamond, Sub-inspeotob of Native Mounted Police.
A FEW particulars concerning the Mykoolan tribe, together
with the attached vocabulary, were kindly forwarded to me
by Mr. M. S. Lamond. The country occupied by this tribe
is between the Gregory and Leichardt Rivers. It was first
settled by the Whites in 1864, and the tribe, which then
numbered about 400, is now reduced to 200 — the causes
assigned for the decrease being the rifle and syphilis. The
term Mykoolan means wild turkey, which my informant says
is the crest of the tribe, but gives no further information on
the point. The knives and tomahawks in use are made of
flints, chipped, ground, and fitted with handles in the usual
way. This tribe also use two-handed clubs, wommeras,
spears of the common kinds, shields, and the war boomerang,
but not the toy one. Novelties amongst their possessions
are wooden bowls and water-bottles made of dogskin. Can-
nibalism prevails to a considerable extent, and has been
witnessed more than once by my informant. Infanticide is
an ancient custom which still prevails, and the child killed
is frequently eaten. The age at which it is killed is not
stated. Message-sticks are in use. Circumcision and the
terrible rite are not practised. The Mykoolan ornament
themselves with scars. They knock out the left front upper
tooth, and paint rude figures on rocks and trees.
THE GREGORY AND LEIGHARDT RIVERS. 323
In the vocabulary, in which Mr. Lamond seems to have
been more interested than in manners and customs, the
reader will notice the affinities between stone and hill, and
also between Jire and wood. That there is only one term
to express elder and younger sister and another for elder
and younger brother I very much question.
324
THE AUSTRALIAN EACE :
No. 97.— BETWEEN THE GREGORY AND LEICHARDT
RIVERS.
By M. S. Lamond, Esq.
Kangaroo -
nargoon.
Hand -
- mambilla.
Opossum
kardella.
2 Blacks -
- blakarra eerman.
Tame dog -
yalbal.
3 Blacks -
- goordbye eerman
Wild dog -
Emu
Black duck -
Wood duck-
Pelican
yalbal.
doongoobarri.
beendoora.
wolgaribarri.
One -
Two -
Three -
Pour -
deinba, moar.
- blakarra.
- goordbye.
- blakarra-blak-
Laughing jackass
Native companion
(none),
toorga.
Pather
arra.
- yadoo.
White cockatoo •
yaoorawarri.
Mother
- miraga.
Crow -
wookan. .
Sister-Elder
- ■ all sisters,
koolakalla.
Swan -
(none).
„ Younger
Egg - - -
tandoo.
Brother-Elder
- 1 all brothers,
Track of a foot -
jeena.
,, Younger I kadgakoora.
Pish -
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
Ply -
Snake -
gemalla.
begool.
meka.
milna.
woonan.
A young man
An old man
An old woman
A baby
A White man
- oobaringee.
- boolgin-boola.
- wamoora.
- billa-billa.
- mekoolan.
The Blacks -
eerman.
Children
- tambooroo.
A Blackfellow -
eerman.
Head -
- kandarr.
A Black woman
dindebarri.
Eye -
- mille.
Nose -
eengar.
Ear -
- benarr.
THE GREGORY AND LEICHARBT RIVERS.
326
No. 97.
— Geegoey and Lei
Mouth
tangoola.
Teeth -
yargan.
Hair of the head
waroomboo.
Beard -
yanbarr.
Thunder
- yoordooyoo.
Grass -
katirr.
Tongue
moonee.
Stomach
- teeba.
Breasts
- tamboo.
Thigh -
- dooal.
Foot -
- deina.
Bone -
- demul.
Blood -
- ngarroo.
Skm -
- bea.
Pat -
- tangoo.
Bowels
- goonna.
Excrement -
- goonna.
War-spear -
- deenibarri.
Eeed-spear -
- koongoon.
Wommera or
yeihnan.
throwing-stick
Shield -
- metir.
Tomahawk -
- marree.
Canoe -
- (none).
Sun -
- booril.
Moon ■
- kakurra.
Star - -
- teirga.
Light -
- banbal.
Dark -
- waranga.
Cold -
- yeiranga.
Heat -
- ooirbur.
Day -
- neila.
Night
- waranga.
Kre -
- yangoo eekalaa.
Water
- nabilla.
Smoke
- koomiree.
Ground
- mgea (?).
Wind -
- koobin.
Rain -
- kalginoonabilla.
God -
-
Ghosts
- noonga.
HAEDT RlVEES-
-continued.
Boomerang -
- moora.
Hill -
- wyeila.
Wood -
- eekalla.
Stone -
- wyeila.
Camp -
- maggea.
Yea -
- kooloogalla.
No -
- nambi.
I
- nyeegoo.
You -
- yooandoo.
Bark -
- mooroongoo.
Good -
- makarra.
Bad -
- moorda.
Sweet -
- barragoo.
Food -
- yatilbilla.
Hungry
- boolning.
Thirsty
- mootingoo.
Eat -
- tangoola.
Sleep -
- ookambirr.
Drink
- nookalbilda.
Walk -
- yadger.
See -
- woUomillebilda.
Sit -
- eeningoo.
Yesterday -
- bringar.
To-day
- neilar.
To-morrow -
- noolar.
Where are the
eerman goodoo 1
Blacks ?
I don't know
- woUoomanbadda
Plenty-
- moorgoo.
Big ■
- bookarr.
Little -
- chaUoo.
Dead -
- mokan.
By-and-by -
- nalla.
Come on
- karrai.
Milk -
- tamboo.
Eaglehawk -
- koondilla.
Wild turkey
- mykoolan.
Wife -
- geela.
326 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 98.— SEYMOUK, TEMPLETON, AND CLONCUREY
EIVEES.
By F. Ubqtthabt, Esq., and Joseph O'Reilley, Esq.
From both of the above-named gentlemen I have received
vocabularies of the Kulkadoon tribe, which in the main
agree very well. Still the difference between the two
translations of the term Blackfellow, one of which is yerro
and the other moodena, leads to the inference that there was
some tribal distinction between the men from whom my
informants took down the vocabularies. Mr. Urquhart gives
me the following particulars concerning the customs of the
tribe.
The Kulkadoon people inhabit the country o:^ the Sey-
mour Eiver, a tributary of the O'Shanassy.* The extent of
their territory is roughly estimated at 6,000 square miles,
and their numbers it is thought amount to about 2,000.
They have both boomerangs and wommeras, and also the
weapons, implements, bags, nets, &c., common in most tribes.
The following names of persons are given: — Males: Burngar
and ISTundjiwarri. Females: Wantralla and Koralim. Orna-
mental scars are in use, and circumcision and the practice
of the terrible rite prevail. The tribes said to bound the
* Information received from other sources has caused the writer to
assign to this tribe a much larger territory than Mr, Urquhart has done.
SEYMOUR, TEMPLETON, & CLONCURKY RIVERS. 327
Kulkadoon are the Miappi, Goa, Mykoolon, Oborindi,
Waukaboonia, and Oonamurra. My first correspondent says
in reply to one of my printed questions that this tribe has
masonic signs. As only one other of my correspondents
makes this assertion in connection with our Blacks, it seems
certain that Mr. Urquhart has been mistaken, as such an
institution would not be confined to a few tribes, nor have
escaped the notice of the many masons who have written
to me on the subject.
In the desert which lies to the west of the country of the
Kulkadoon, and is supposed to extend nearly as far as the
Overland Telegraph Line, the Blacks dig wells. They are
funnel-shaped, large at the top and small at the bottom, and
their sides unsupported by wood or other material. The
water is reached by rude steps extending all round the well,
each about 3 feet perpendicular. The depth of these excava-
tions varies from 3 to 30 feet. Captain Sturt in his
Narrative of an Expedition into Central Australia, vol. 1,
page 386, gives the following account of a work of this
sort: —
"On reaching the spot, we discovered a well of very
unusual dimensions, and as there was water in it we halted
for the night. On a closer examination of the locality, this
well appeared to be of great value to the inhabitants. It
was 22 feet deep, and 8 feet broad at the top. There was a
landing-place, but no steps down to it, and a recess had
been made to hold the water, which was somewhat brackish,
the rim of the basin being encrusted with salt. Paths led
from this spot to almost every point of the compass, and in
walking along one to the left I came on a village consisting
of nineteen huts, but there were not any signs of recent
occupation." Hence, when much needed, the tapping of
local springs is occasionally practised by the Blacks. In
some cases our rivers and creeks run dry shortly after the
cessation of rain, but for years after the Blacks obtain water
enough for their wants by scraping holes or digging wells in
their sandy beds,
328
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 98.— SEYMOUR, TEMPLETON, AND GLONCURRY RIVERS.
By F. UEQtTHAET, Esq.
Kangaroo -
- narragoon.
Hand -
- mugodthi.
Opossum
- marimba.
2 Blacks -
-
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu -
- toogoo.
- toogoo.
- woodiga, wood-
ingat.
3 Blacks ■
One -
Two -
- iera, iar.
- moo-doona.
Black duck
-
Three -
-
Wood duck
-
Pour -
_
Pelican - - toolgeriberri.
Laughing jackass marcoUa.
Native companion mieera.
White cockatoo - kooloda.
Father
Mother
Sister-Elder
- koola.
- murtoo.
- wabatha.
Crow -
- wogalong, wa-
„ Younger
-
Swan -
Egg - -
gala.
- goothoo.
Brother-Elder - thaboo.
,, Younger nowell.
Track of a foot
- taburudoo.
A young man
-
Fish -
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
- waukray.
- miggi, meeka.
An old man
An old woman
A baby
- yalelora.
- morubi.
- kedgeekloo.
Fly .
- milka.
A White man
- yooroo.
Snake -
The Blacks -
A Blackfellow
- thooarre.
- mido.
- yerro.
Children
Head -
- koori.
- kunda.
A Black woman
- murrabi.
Bye -
- milthe.
Nose -
- yegingi.
Ear -
' yintha, benna
SEYMOUR, TEMPLETON, & CLONCUERY RIVERS.
329
No. 98. — Seymoue, Templeton,
Mouth - - unda.
Teeth - - - iidintha.
Hair of the head- ooraboo.
Beard - - - yenpur.
Thunder - - murga-murga.
Grass - - beetha, kudda.
Tongue - - muUi.
Stomach - - bothoo.
Breasts - - munda.
Thigh - ■ - althor.
Foot - - - wogidra.
Bone - - - koonga.
Blood - - - oolgi.
Skin - • - woggoo.
Pat - - - koonthalli.
Bowels - - oondoondoo.
Excrement - - woonoo.
War- spear - - yooko
Reed-spear -
Wommera or
throwing-stiok
Shield - - - mida.
Tomahawk - - marrea.
Canoe -
Sun - - - wunnaga.
Moon - - - korilliyan
Star -
Light -
Dark - - - warra.
Cold - - - woonangarri.
Heat - - - waukan.
Day - -
Night - - warra.
Fire - - jando, hoojen.
Water - - goon.
Smoke - - palloo.
Ground - - moo.
Wmd -
Rain - - goon.
God -
Ghosts - - yunyee.
AND Clonciteby RrvEBS — continued.
Boomerang -
- yulgawerri, yal
kabray.
Hill -
Wood -
koonger.
Stone -
diur.
Camp -
- moa.
Yes -
No -
I
You -
Bark -
Good -
Bad -
Sweet -
Food -
Hungry
- pi-
Thirsty
-
Eat -
-
Sleep -
-
Drink -
Walk -
See -
Sit -
-
Yesterday -
-
To-day
To-morrow -
-
Where are the
yingar oothoo ?
Blacks?
I don't know
Plenty-
Big -
Little -
Dead -
- wolldin.
By-and-by -
Come on
Milk -
Eaglehawk -
Wild turkey
- boranda.
Wife -
330 THE AUSTRALIAN EACE
No. 99.— THE CLONCURRY RIVER.
By Edwabd Palmer, Esq., and an Anonymous Contributok.
I HAVE obtained two vocabularies of the language of the
Miappe tribe, from the sources named above, both of which
are inserted. Each of my informants, whose vocabularies
agree well in the main, gives also an account of the tribe.
My anonymous contributor, who is evidently well acquainted
with his subject, but whose writing is difficult to decipher,
informs me as follows: —
" The Miappe inhabit a portion of the Cloncurry River
country. Their territory is about 80 miles square, and
Conan Downs station forms part of it. The adjoining tribes
are the Mikkoolan and Koonkurri." My informant says
that the Miappe are thonght to have numbered a thousand
souls when first the Whites settled in their country. When,
however, he first knew them in 1868, only a few years after,
they only amounted to 250 persons. Their number at
present (1879) is about 80. This falling off he attributes to
the murderous onslaughts of the mounted Native Police and
to venereal diseases and measles, which were introduced by
the Whites, also to prostitution and infanticide, which have
enormously increased. Prior to our coming, sunstroke and
THE CLONCURRY RIVER. 331
snake-bites were amongst the most common causes of deaths
in the tribe.
In their native state the Miappe wore no clothes, and,
except occasionally some cast-off articles obtained from the
Whites, wear none still. Few of them seem to reach seventy
years of age, my informant's impression being that the men
are old at fifty and the women at thirty. When the
mosquitos are bad, the men construct with forked sticks
driven into the ground rude bedsteads, on which they sleep,
a fire being made underneath to keep off with its smoke the
troublesome insects. No bedsteads, however, fall to the
share of the women, whose business it is to keep the fires
burning whilst their lords sleep.
Both men and women wear necklaces of shells ; and my
informant affirms that the wild Blacks in his neighbourhood
will not harm a White man who holds up to them one of
these ornaments. When preparing for a corroboree, they paint
their cheeks and foreheads with red ochre, and also the sides
of their legs in a way which reminds one of the stripes down
the outside of a soldier's trousers. As usual, they manufac-
ture fishing-nets of very good quality and koolaman (wooden
troughs) to hold water in at the camp. Their tomahawks
are of stone, ground sharp, and shaped like an American
axe. The handle is formed of a withe, well daubed with
gum, passed round the stone head, as is common more or less
throughout the continent. For cutting and carving they use
their tomahawks, and flints when they can get them, but
most commonly a mussel-shell ground to a point. For
weapons they have carved spears, which they throw with the
wommera or throwing-stick, also the boomerang which
returns when thrown, and clubs of course.
Their chief articles of food are fish, iguana, snakes,
turkeys, ducks, emu, and wild dogs, which they roast on the
coals, putting heated stones into the insides of the larger
animals. Until the advent of the Whites they used also to
eat their dead in all cases, no matter what the cause of death,
disease or accident. To cook a corpse, a trench was dug in
332 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
the ground, a fire made in it, and some stones thrown into
the flames to heat. When the fire had burnt down, the
heated stones were placed in the cavity from which the
viscera had been removed ; half of the embers were then put
on one side, and the corpse laid on those which were left.
Then, those which had been withdrawn were placed on top,
and the whole being covered with earth, the cooking went
on. Young men and women were not allowed to partake of
this sort of food. When all was over, the bones were burnt
and the spot was deserted. This scene, members of the
tribe who make no secret of the matter have often described
to my informant. When he first knew the Miappe, there
were some amongst them lightly pitted with small-pox, and
he thinks a few are still alive.
The Miappe men often obtain wives from other tribes,
especially from the Mitroo-goordi. As usual, the largest
share of the females falls to old or oldish men, many of
whom have two and some four wives. Female children are
promised in marriage soon after they are born. On an
average, the women are said to have three or four children
each. Infanticide is very prevalent. Occasionally men
carry off girls by force and keep them as wives.
The men scar themselves on the arms, and the women
round the top of the shoulders in the form of a necklace ;
also across the breasts. Circumcision is not practised. A
tooth is knocked out at about sixteen years of age. It is
done by placing one end of a pointed stick against the tooth
and giving the other end a blow with a stone ; an old man
being always the operator. The septum of the nose is
pierced for the reception of a bone, feather, or stick.
Traditions exist of floods more extensive than those which
now occur in their country. Pitcheree is not known. A
messenger from one tribe to another is often the bearer of a
stick of the size of a pen-handle, on which are notches cut
by the sender. These are thought by the simple Blackfellow
to be a sort of formal guarantee of the statements or
promises made by the messenger. Kangaroo, I learn, are
THE CLONCUERY RIVER.
333
scarce in the country of the Miappe, but they spear many
emu. Their corroborees are few. They are a tall people;
many of the men reaching six feet, and the women five
feet eight inches, and upwards. Some of" them have straight
hair and some curly. When a man dies, his widows mourn
with plasters of clay on their heads. Their wars generally
spring from disputes about the women or from neighbours
trespassing on their country. Women when they meet after
a long absence embrace each other round the neck; men
hug round the waist. They have no government of any sort,
but the principal warriors have a good deal of influence with
the tribe. They have no cures for sickness, but wounds are
either plastered with earth or covered with gum-leaves
dipped in water.
ADDITIONAL WORDS.
Anontmous.
Son
- cooyearee.
Feather
coodee.
Daughter -
- munguine.
Cloud -
woorrool.
Arm -
- boogul.
Leaf of a tree
cootgaboo.
Elbow
- oulo.
Branch
bamma.
Thumb
- mulbungeree.
Pipe-elay -
thurkera.
Heart -
- mundegar.
String
walgoor.
Liver -
- mudjear.
Creek -
tharro.
Great toe -
- marrabungo.
Scrub -
jingella.
Toes -
- jerri-jerri.
Plain -
wolna.
Face -
- codjear.
Sand -
munguUa.
Neck -
- munna.
Tail of an animal
tabbegora.
Knee -
- boongool.
Lightning -
mungum.
Heel ■
- jandoongara.
Meat -
cudde.
Navel -
- choongo.
Angry
eula.
Cheek -
- naua or nana (?).
Leave it alone
idger-idger.
Anus -
- teppe.
Get up
woUai.
Finger-nails
- marUdgee.
Deaf, stupid
- thirba-cumbo
Urine -
- keepur.
To kill
- bunge.
Mad - -
- womma.
To fight
- boonjabbe.
334
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
Additional Words — i
To give
- burly-burly.
Go away
cooraboin.
To spit
- weeka.
Flea, louse -
yabbin.
To fall
- culgo'e.
Frog - -
- nogoia.
To make
- jan-mugear.
Red -
putheragwine.
To run
- looran.
White
bonearrow.
To dung
- wanna.
Black -
maigin.
To speak -
- mi-hi-ya.
Green -
cooregon.
To vomit -
- coolme.
Blind -
mitmojoo.
To out
- parrelun.
Shade, shadow
mimgo.
To laugh -
- idjambe.
A liar, nonsense
codjebunno.
To jump
- poorooodalle.
To stink -
buggoin.
To sing
- pea-al-e.
Evil spirit -
thoi-onga-goola
To strike -
- cowe.
Black snake
cooremun.
To cry or weep
- parre.
Tiger snake
curtalboon.
To scratch
- yarrabulbo.
Any number ovei
cudgello.
Lazy -
- lerike.
three
Where
- nantra.
This side -
wallegul.
Here
- coona, ma.
The other side
narrakeia.
Mr. Palmer's account of the tribe (which he obtained on
the spot from a Black on his station named Yulegerri)
supports my anonymous correspondent in most respects.
From it I glean the following additional particulars : —
There are in force several restrictions as to the use of
certain articles of food. The young men, for instance, are
forbidden to eat the native companion and emu's eggs.
Small-pox, with which the tribe were affected within the
last half century, is called nyamooroo. When the Whites
first settled on the Oloncurry class-marriage was in full
force, and the male of the class Marringo married a female
of the class Goothamungo. The names of the other classes
are not given. Consumption is at present the prevailing
disease ; canoes are not in use ; fish is caught with hooks
made of bone, and corpses are sometimes hung in trees.
When the tribe is to be collected, the message-stick, called
jakkoon, is sent round. The neighbouring tribes are the
Mykoolan, Mygoodan, Mythaguddi, and Wallankammer.
No hard and fast boundary lines of the several territories
THE CLONCURRY RIVER. 335
are fixed says Mr. Palmer. The Miappi hunted over the
Conobie Station (which was the property of Mr. Palmer in
1865) on both sides of the river and nearly to Donor's
HiUs.
336
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 99.— CLONCURB.Y.
Anonymoits. ■
Kangaroo -
- kooroo.
Hand -
- mullero.
Opossum
- kooquine.
2 Blacks -
- blagura bungil.
Tame dog -
. yambe.
3 Blacks -
- blagura noola
Wild dog -
- yambe.
bungil.
- ingomar.
- blagura.
Emu -
- chongoberry.
One -
Black duck
Wood duck
- garraba.
- ngalawul.
Two -
Pelican
- thalgobun.
Three -
- muda nuda.
Laughing jackass charroongul.
Pour -
- cudgello.
Native companion thoroboko.
Father
- mojure.
White cockatoo
- morine.
Mother
- yagoora.
Crow -
- wire.
Sister-Elder
- coobamoo.*
Swan -
-
,, Younger
- coobamoo.
Egg -
- tando.
Brother-Elder
- ngaboon.
Track of a foot
- janna.
,, Younger ngaboon.
Fish -
- balbee.
A young man
- yabbiyerria.
Lobster
-
An old man
- mowa.
Crayfish
- piccool.
An old woman
- yappoora
Mosquito -
- wongoin.
Ply -
- nguimmool.
A baby
- coot-too-doo.
Snake -
- (all soi'ts different
A White man
- muddtha, par-
names).
rago.
The Blacks
- bungil.
Children
- podjonger.
A Blaokfellow
- bungil.
Head
- condil, munda.
A Black woman
- bunyah.
Eye -
- mille.
Nose -
- ningar.
Ear -
- binnare.
This and the next three words are probably incorrect.
THE CLONCUREY RIVER.
337
No. 99. — Cloncurkt — continued.
Mouth ~
- yarra.
Boomerang -
- elgoberre.
Teeth
- yarrangundoo.
Hill -
- minde.
Hair of the heac
- waroombo.
Wood -
- coongai.
Beard -
- yanbar.
Stone -
- minde.
Thunder -
nooncup.
Camp -
- boornga.
Grass -
- yalguin.
Yes -
- ngear.
Tongue
- tomingil.
No
I
- umpee.
Stomach
- ngabbara.
■ ngio.
Breasts
- tambo.
You -
- undoo
Thigh
- tharro.
Bark -
- cimbin.
Foot -
- janna.
Good -
- yathi.
Bone
- thimmool.
Bad -
- martingaro.
Blood -
- cobble.
Sweet -
-
Skm -
- beer.
Pood -
- pattalge.
Fat -
- thango.
Hungry
- pulngee.
Bowels
- wau-wur-noon(?).
Thirsty
-
Excrement -
- wa-a-na.
Eat -
- pattalge.
War-speair -
- boonjabbee.
Sleep -
- wongUgee.
Reed-spear -
- piljai.
Wommera or
ulemun.
Drink -
- nookalge.
throwing-stick
Walk -
- jan (foot) mug
Shield
- yambooro.
gear (ground).
Tomahawk -
- chookledoonga.
See -
- numilla.
Canoe -
-
Sit -
- yinna.
Sun -
- pinjama.
Yesterday -
- pirregool.
Moon -
■ oockera.
To-day
- cowal.
Star -
- chinpee.
To-morrow -
- pirrager.
Light -
- pirre.
Where are the wautra bungil ?
Dark -
- ngoola.
Blacks ?
Cold -
- yerrenge.
I don't know
- unipeenummello
Heat -
- woolbarre,
Plenty
- oudgello.
Day -
- winja.
Big -
- yaggoon.
Night -
- ngoola.
Little -
- challoo.
Fire -
- yango.
Dead -
- moochum.
Water
- commo.
Smoke
- coomera
By-and-by -
-
Ground
- muggear.
Come on
- cubbe.
Wind - -
- copin.
Milk -
- tambo.
Rain -
- commo culge.
Baglehawk -
- cooradilla.
God - -
- ■
Wild turkey
- thuringa.
Ghosts
- parrago.
Wife -
- ngaddear.
VOL. n.
r
338
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 99.— OLONCURRY RIVER.
By Edward Palmer, Esq.
See the words cam/p and ground.
Kangaroo -
- ngalana.
Hand -
- malaroo.
Opossum -
- kogoin.
2 Blacks -
- puUagarra bunjil.
Tame dog -
- mecum caramra.
3 Blacks -
- puUgarra-goroine
Wild dog -
- yamby.
bunjil.
Emu' -
- junkerberry.
One -
- goroiiie.
Black duck
- binderra.
Two -
- puUagarrah.
Wood duck
- ngul-owan.
Three -
- puUagarrah-
Pelican
- thalooban.
goroine.
Laughing jackass jarrangool.
Four -
- inkammo.
Native companion tharra-boogah.
Father
- moocho.
White cockatoo
- moor-ine.
Mother
- yakoro.
Crow -
- thoongaberry.
Sister-Elder
- koolamo.
Swan -
- yalke.
„ Younger
- bichamon.
Egg - -
- thando.
Brother-Elder
- ngabone.
Track of a foot
- wean.
Young
er bichamon.
Fish - -
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
Ply -
Snake -
The Blacks -
A Blackfellow
- wog-ie.
- junju.
- oonggoin.
- nyimool.
- mokoa.
- bunjil.
- bunjil.
A young man
An old man
An old woman
A baby
A White man
Children
Head -
- yap-ary.
- moa.
- warmoora.
- goitho-thoo.
- barrago.
- cudda-kuduUa.
- ngunkool.
A Black woman
- bunya.
Eye -
- milly.
Nose -
- roomyeen.
Ear -
- beenar.
THE CLONCURRY RIVEE.
339
No. 99. — Cloncurky River — continued.
Month
- yarra.
Teeth -
- yarhjine.
Hair of the head
- warramboo.
Beard -
- yanbah.
Thunder -
- barry (to make
noise or cry).
Grasa -
- yalkoine.
Tongue
- ngoolon.
Stomach
- wanbungo.
Breasts
- thambo.
Thigh -
- mogo.
Foot -
- jannah.
Bone -
- thimmool.
Blood - -
- goowarro.
Skin - -
- beeah.
Fat -
- thanko.
Bowels
- waukitcher-
kurro.
Excrement -
- wanna.
War-spear -
- koong-koon.
Reed-spear -
- neenjerry.
Wommera or
yulemun.
throwing-stick
Shield
- yamboro.
Tomahawk -
- marrea.
Canoe -
- nungkore.
Sun -
- rauntharra.
Moon -
- kogarrah.
Star -
- jinby.
Light -
- yurah.
Dark -
- ngoro-lo.
Cold - -
- yerringer.
Heat -
- mow-een.
Day - -
- muntharra.
Night -
- warrunga.
Fire -
- yango.
"Water
- yappoo.
Smoke
- koomeree.
Ground
- muggeer.
Wind- -
- koobeen.
Rain -
" oonjune.
God -
-
Ghosts
- limbeenjargo-
long.
Boomerang -
- mirry kammo.
Hill -
- minde.
Wood -
- bokore.
Stone -
- mimdy oj- mindy
Camp -
- muggeer.
Yes -
- ngeah.
No -
- ngumpy.
I -
- ngiego.
You -
- yundo.
Bark -
- beemba.
Good -
- gooljin.
Bad -
- madthee.
Sweet -
- gooljin.
Food -
- oudthe.
Hungry
- boolne.
Thirsty
- yourby.
Eat -
- bathalyee.
Sleep -
- waujilje.
Drink -
- bathalyee.
Walk -
- wabi.
See -
- namalyee.
Sit -
- yenni.
Yesterday -
■ birregool.
To-day
- kowal.
To-morrow -
- birringeer.
Where are
;he wantha bunjil ?
Blacks ?
I don't know
- wanthan kogool.
Plenty
- yinkammo.
Big -
- winyeer.
Little -
- kuddah.
Dead -
- mootchon.
By-and-by -
- nguUa.
Come on
- oubbe.
Milk -
- thambo.
Eaglehawk -
- coorythilla.
Wild turkey
- thoorna (plain
turkey).
Wife -
- ngathea.
340 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
No. 100.— THE FLINDERS AND CLONCURRY
RIVERS.
By Alexander MacGtilliveay, Esq.
I OWE the following information concerning the manners
and language of the Oonoomurra tribe to the kindness of
Mr. Alexander MacGillivray.
The territory occupied by this tribe, commencing at
Richmond Downs Station, on the Flinders, extends up that
river and nearly to the Diamantina, thence stretches to the
Cloncurry, and is bounded by that river to its junction with
the GuUiet. Its boundary from that junction is an easterly
line to the Flinders, which river it follows up to the starting
point. When the Whites first entered on the extensive
territory of the Oonoomurra in 1865 the tribe is estimated
to have numbered only two hundred souls. In 1880 its
numbers did not exceed one hundred, the other moiety
having been either shot down or perished from introduced
diseases.
Many of this tribe seem to have reached an advanced age.
No clothes were used originally except a sort of apron by
the women. This appendage consisted of a number of
strings made of opossum fur, which hung from a string
round the waist, which the women manufactured of their
own hair. At present the few who can obtain cast-off
clothes wear them during the day. At night all sleep
between small fires, covered with strips of ti-tree bark.
For ornaments, the women wear necklaces made of yeUow
cane, or of stems of grass cut into short lengths, which they
string as we do beads. In their corroborees they imitate
THE FLINDERS AND CLONCURRY RIVERS. 341
the actions of the kangaroo and emu, smearing- their persons
on such occasions with red ochre and gypsum. Their few
effects they carry in pieces of ti-tree bark, and not in bags
or nets. In fact, the bark of this plant seems to be the
general stand-by of the tribe. They make nets for the cap-
ture of fish and pigeons. They have neither fish-hooks nor
fishing spears. Kangaroo and emu they spear as they
come to water.
Their tools are the usual stone tomahawk, the incisor
tooth of the opossum, and fliats which they either hold in
the fingers or fix at the end of sticks, and use as knives or
chisels when making or carving their weapons. Animals
are cut up and skinned with mussel-shells. Their weapons
are large and small spears, the first thrown with the hand
and the others with the wommera; boomerangs which return
when thrown; and two-handed clubs. They have also larger
spears, which are used in close quarters as lances.
Their chief articles of food, omitting vegetables, which
have not been mentioned by Mr. MacGillivray, are mussels,
rats, and pigeons, which two last in some seasons they get in
immense numbers. Indeed, in occasional years since our
occupation of the Oonoomurra country these marsupial rats
have amounted to a plague. In the huts of the squatters
and their men, food, clothes, saddlery, &c., had to be specially
secured against their attacks. As a man sat smoking at
night, he would have in one hand a string, to the end of
which a piece of meat was tied, and in the other a switch;
the rats followed the meat, which the man drew towards
him, and met their fate from a blow of the switch. In this
way a single man would kill fifty in an evening, two or three
hundred being killed at a hut, their numbers apparently
remaining undiminished. The Oonoomurra have also kan-
garoo, emu, opossums, water-fowl, and snakes to feast on.
The smaller sorts of game are roasted on the coals or baked
in the ashes. The larger are often cooked in ovens of the
usual description. In their wild state these people were
cannibals, and habitually eat their dead when not too much
342 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
emaciated by illness. My informant has known them to eat
some of their fellows who had been shot by the Whites.
Marriages are contracted either in or outside of the tribe
indifferently, but are strictly prohibited between relatives.
Girls are promised to men in infancy, become wives at about
ten years of age, and mothers at fourteen or fifteen. Polyg-
amy is common. Infanticide is an ancient practice in the
tribe. This people scar themselves on the biceps of the arm,
down the back, and across the stomach.. They do not cir-
cumcise, but some of their neighbours do. Of the Ka Ikatongo,
or circumcised, who are more numerous than themselves, the
Oonoomurra are much afraid, as the former make raids into
their country, killing their men, and carrying off their
women. The Oonoomurra confer the status of young men at
fifteen years of age by knocking out two upper front teeth,
after which those operated on are at liberty to get wives, if
they can. They perforate the septum of the nose, and also
make a large hole in the butt of one ear.
This tribe stand much in awe of barrakoo, or evil spirits,
said to dwell in large waterholes and extensive scrubs.
Prior to our occupation, such of the dead as were not eaten
used to be buried immediately after death. Now aU are
buried. When life is extinct, the knees and neck of the
corpse are tied together, and it is thus brought somewhat
into the shape of a ball. It is then enveloped in grass,
covered tightly with a net, and so interred in a hole about
five feet deep. To complete the rite, a mound is raised over
the body, on which are placed logs and boughs, which latter
are renewed from time to time, as long as the party remain
in the vicinity. A space around the tomb is also kept neatly
swept. Both the wars and internal quarrels of the tribe
generally arise on the subject of women. Message-sticks are
in use. Members of the tribe who have not seen each other
for a long time embrace on meeting. The people of this
tribe do not object to tell their aboriginal names. Kulpa-
kulpa and Kache are the names of two of the men, and Luro-
luro, Wammutta, and Kachebowmurraof three of the women.
THE FLINDERS AND CLONCURRY RIVERS. 343
The name of the Oloncurry River is Piamnrra; of Fullarton
Creek, Makapurre; and of the Williams River, Oorinde
= stone.
The vocabulary which follows has much in common with
that of the Oloncurry. As occasionally happens, we find
hill and stone expressed by the same word, the hills in those
parts no doubt being stony, whilst the fact of there being
but one word to express ground and camp is significant of
the backwardness of the tribe, and of the usual style of
their lodgings. It will be noticed that the equivalents of
throwing-stick in the language of this tribe and of shield in
the Sydney language are almost identical.
344
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE
No. 100.— FLINDERS AND CLONCURRY RIVERS.
Kangaroo -
- mongorongo.
Hand -
- mumbila.
Opossum
- kakooin.
2 Blacks -
- kurto bungil.
Tame dog -
- yambe.
3 Blacks -
.
Wild dog -
_
One -
- kooroin.
Kmu -
- chungoburre.
Black duck-
- karrupa.
Two -
- kurto.
Wood duck-
- nurloin.
Three -
- kurto kooroia
Pelican
- whulkraburre.
Four -
-
Laughing jackass
Father
- yato.
Native companion turka.
Mother
- mirako.
White cockatoo
_
^
Sister-Elder
- mumo.
Crow -
- wamering.
Swan -
- (none in the dis-
,, Younger
- mumo.
trict).
Brother-Elder
-
Egg - -
- wirree.
„ Younger
Track of a foot
- tunna.
Fish - -
- palpy.
A young man
- yappoierre.
Lobster
An old man
- mooa.
Crayfish
- pikquol.
An old woman
- tamalla.
Mosquito -
- lewouin.
A baby
- kuttukka.
Fly - -
- milnga.
A White man
- burruka.
Snake -
- tinouir.
Children -
- kuttukkara.
The Blacks -
- nukker.
A Blackf ellow
- bungil.
Head -
- nawgool.
A Black woman
- bunya.
Bye -
- uko or yenko.
Nose -
- nykar.
Ear -
- binna.
THE FLINDERS AND CLONCURRY RIVERS.
345
No. 100.— Flinders aot) Clonctirey Rivees-
-continued.
Mouth
- thangula.
Boomerang -
- yelkaburre.
Teeth -
- yarcharring.
Hill -
- orringe.
Hair of the head- woorumboo.
Wood -
- bakkaro.
Beard -
- mungurra.
Stone -
- orringe.
Thunder
- yunburree.
Camp -
- mukkeo.
Grass ■
- kutther.
Yes -
- neea.
Tongue
■ nuUandee.
No -
- numbe.
Stomach
- wawbawgoo.
Breasts
- tampo.
I
- nigo.
Thigh
- mukko.
You -
- yoondo.
Foot -
- tunna.
Bark -
- biUa.
Bone -
- mookooin.
Good -
- kammanurro.
Blood -
- maohango.
Bad -
- mattee.
Skin -
- peea.
Sweet -
- jiroallingo.
Fat -
- karning.
Food -
.
Bowels
- wawkachcache
Hungry
- bulningo.
Excrement -
kurro.
- noointo.
Thirsty
- yoorpiago.
War-spear -
- tinnepurre.
Eat -
- batalpo.
Reed-spear -
- tapouin.
Sleep -
- wongelgee.
Wommera or
youlmon.
Drink -
- batalgee.
throwing-stiok
Walk -
- wapingo.
Shield
-
See -
- nungamma.
Tomahawk -
- murria.
Sit
- yennia.
Canoe -
-
Yesterday -
- birrakol.
Sun -
- kaampa.
To-day
- wowyal.
Moon -
- kumo-kurno.
Star -
- vonko.
To-morrow -
- birrengar.
J
Where are the wondo nukkera?
Light -
- tennouil
Dark -
- wokkomungo.
Blacks ?
Cold - -
- yemga.
I don't know
- nee kol.
Heat -
-
Plenty
- nurlo-nurlo.
Day -
-
Big -
-
Night - -
-
Little -
- kurpia.
Fire -
- yango.
Dead -
- moochoia.
Water
- yappo.
By-and-by -
- warla.
Smoke
- yonbulko.
Come on
- kooyan.
Ground
- mukkeo.
Milk -
- tampo.
Wind
Rain -
- kuppin.
Eaglehawk -
- kooritella.
God - -
-
Wild turkey
- barkam.
Ghosts
-
Wife -
- bunya.
346 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 101.— THE BURKE EIVER.
By Ernest Eolinton, Esq.
The country of the Yelina tribe is on the Burke River.
Its extent is not known, but was first occupied by the
Whites in 1877. The number of this people is estimated to
have been and still to be about two hundred. Concerning
the manners of the Yelina tribe Mr. Eglinton gives me the
few following particulars.
Pieces of the leg-bones of birds, about two inches in
length, are worn by them as earrings. The wommera and
boomerangs of both sorts are in use, and carved to some
extent. Cannibalism was found prevailing in this tribe at
the time of our first occupation, and my informant mentions
having detected some of its men eating the remains of a
child who had died in the camp. Consumption is stated,
in this as in other tribes, to be the most frequent cause of
death. Circumcision is practised, but there are a few of the
men of the tribe who have not been subjected to this rite,
the reason for which exceptions is unknown. Pitcheree, I am
informed, is in use, and that chewing it causes intoxication,
a statement which does not agree with information which
has reached me from other quarters. As regards the dead,
the men of the tribe are described as eating their fiesh and
burying their bones, displaying their sorrow by striking
their heads until the blood flows, and then plastering them
with pipe-clay.
THE BURKE RIVER. 347
In copying out this vocabulary, I have (as in several
other cases) expressed Mr. Eglinton's ee by i. The reader
will notice that hoola, a very general equivalent for 2 in
Australian, appears with some addition as 3 in the language
of this tribe. The constant occurrence of er as a termina-
tion leads me to think that what is meant to be conveyed is
the sound of a faintly pronounced. Bone and mood are
expressed by the same word, and hill and stone by another.
The terms hungry and thirsty perhaps mean literally not eat
and not drink.
348
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE
No. 101.— BURKE RIVER.
Kangaroo -
- nerkooner.
Hand -
- wanera.
Opossum -
- mitcheri.
2 Blacks -
-
Tame dog -
- monero.
3 Blacks -
-
Wild dog -
-
One -
- uooreroo.
Emu -
Black duck-
Wood duck
- womergooroo.
- koorerboo (?).
Two -
Three -
- cherkumber.
- boolerler-boone
roo.
Pelican - - koobenroo.
Laughing jackass
Native companion booralgoo.
White cockatoo - yungerli.
Crow - - - wokkerla.
Swan -
Four -
Father
Mother
Sister-Elder
- cherkumber-
cherkumber.
- karlo.
- mernoo.
- thireri.
Egg - -
Track of a foot
- kargooner.
- diner.
,, Younger
Brother-Elder
- toweri.
Fish -
- eremerdo.
Younger
Lobster
-
A young man
- wamerla.
Crayfish
- koondagi.
An old man
- kooper-kooper.
Mosquito -
- mukkerdoo.
An old woman
- myercha.
Ely -
- umundero.
A baby
- biUer-biller.
Snake -
- wamera.
A White man
- woothane.
The Blacks -
- erirar.
Children -
- ohoora.
A Blackfellow
- eri.
Head -
- moola.
A Black woman
- minmeri.
Eye -
- miUa.
Nose -
- erchi.
Ear -
- eneri.
THE BURKE RIVER.
349
No. 101. — Btjbke River — contimied.
Mouth
- thaney.
Boomerang -
- byerla.
Teeth
- iar.
Hill - -
- mookerloo.
Hair of the head - ulbanderoo.
Wood -
- tooker.
Beard -
- talberri.
Stone
- mookerloo.
Thunder -
- koonoo.
Camp -
- mootoo.
Grass
- kookerbi.
Yes -
- lamerer.
Tongue
- mileri.
No -
- koonderba.
Stomach
-
Breasts
- namer.
I
- neeya.
Thigh
- yapperli.
You -
■ nowa.
Foot -
- diner.
Bark -
- koolkerberer.
Bone -
- tooker.
Good -
- yanberma.
Blood - -
- booreroo.
Bad - . -
- nokkerdi.
Skin -
■ maperrer.
Sweet -
-
Fat -
- nilki.
Food -
- nerilin.
Bowels
- wooner.
Hungry
- kooler-nerilin.
Excrement -
-
Thirsty
- kooler-leyerlin.
War-spear -
- tookemi.
Eat -
- nerlyim.
Reed-spear -
- gilker.
Sleep
- noomerloo.
Wommera or
karemingo.
Drink
- tookerlym.
throwing-stick
Walk -
- mameroo.
Shield-
- koucherchucher.
See -
- namerlin.
Tomahawk -
- wamumberoo.
Sit -
- nymerloo.
Canoe -
.
Yesterday -
- uowerli.
Sun -
- miir.
Today
- ererli.
Moon -
- geber.
To-morrow -
- waddonaba.
Star -
- booderoo.
Where are the
taleri eregar ?
Light -
- ninermoo.
Blacks ?
Dark -
- warder.
I don't know
- niir moolonaban
Cold -
■ maderi.
alii.
Heat -
- umergin.
Plenty
- ringaba.
Day -
.
Big -
- yannoo.
Night -
.
Little -
- barleloo.
Fire -
- wachemee.
Dead -
- olunamoo.
Water
- koonoo.
By-and-by -
- kardee.
Smoke
- koodoo.
Come on
- kower gerna-
berdi.
Ground
- toolee.
Milk -
- namer.
Wind-
- woonungoo.
Eaglehawk -
- mooneroonaler-
Rain -
- koonoo.
gree.
God -
-
Wild turkey
- tookerner.
Ghosts
- otenni.
Wife -
- neer.
350 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE.
No. 102.— THE HAMILTON EIVEE, WARENDA.
By W. Blaik, Esq.
THE HAMILTON EIVEE.
By R. N. Collins, Esq.
THE LOWER GEOEGINA EIVEE.
By J. Ceaioib, Esq.
BETWEEN THE GEORGINA AND
BUEKE EIVEES.
By a. McLean, Esq.
I HAVE received four communications concerning as many
tribes which dwell in the localities above-named. Mr.
Blair's contribution is confined to a vocabulary. To a
vocabulary, Mr. Collins adds a short description of his tribe,
which is 300 strong, dwells on the Hamilton, and calls itself
Einga^ringa. Mr. Craigie describes the Eunga-Eungawah
tribe on Eoxburgh Downs Station, which numbers 120 souls.
The tribe about which Mr. McLean writes calls itself Ringa-
Eingaroo, and dwells between the Georgina and Burke
Eivers, between latitudes 20° and 21° south.
These tribes are, I have no doubt, independent; what I
have called associated ; and of common descent. My grounds
for thinking so are, their languages, which have in common
many local terms; the common rendering of the equivalents
for no and the Blacks, and the striking similarity in the
names of the tribes, which no doubt were originally one
people.
THE HAMILTON AND GEORGINA RIVERS. 351
As regards the manners of these tribes, nothing of a
novel character has reached me, so that it will be enough to
record, that they all have the boomerang; that one of them
uses the wommera, and another does not; and that circum-
cision and the terrible rite prevail in all of them.
Some portion of the country they occupy is reported to
have been first settled in 1868, and afterwards abandoned,
being finally re-occupied in 1876-77 and '78.
Mr. McLean relates that the Ringa^Eingaroo call the
star Venus mimungoona, or big-eye, and believe that it is a
fertile country covered with bappa, the name of a sort of
grass, the seeds of which the tribes here on earth convert
into flour, and is inhabited by Blacks. It appears, however,
that no water exists in the star, but there are ropes which
hang from its surface to the earth, by means of which the
dwellers visit our planet from to time, and assuage their
thirst. A big old man of great power is also said to dwell
in the star. In seasons of scarcity, these tribes have
recourse to cannibalism, and eat their children.
Mr. McLean gives me the following additional transla-
tions : —
Thunder-storm - - - meankooka.
Morning murruUy.
Noon kai'dingoola.
Evening ----- yerki-yerki.
To eat tigerlinger.
Will eat - • - - - tigae.
Did eat ----- tigekar.
Will sleep . - - - moogi.
Did sleep . - - - mochynar.
352
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 102.— HAMILTON RIVER.
By William Blaie, Esq.
Kangaroo -
mutumba.
Hand -
murra.
Opossum
thinnabuUy.
2 Blacks -
kerna bareoola
Tame dog -
peawally.
3 Blacks -
barcoola nooro
Wild dog -
kerna.
Emu -
kulperry.
One -
noora.
Black duck -
Two -
barcoola.
Wood duck
Three -
barcoola nooro
Pelican
Four -
barcoola-bar-
Laughing jackass
coola.
Native companion
borolga.
Father
White cockatoo -
berdena.
Mother
numma.
Crow -
wakkala.
Sister-Elder
Swan -
,, Younger -
Egg - - -
bambo.
Brother-Elder ■
Track of a foot -
thinna.
Fish -
cooia.
,, Younger
Lobster
A young man
Crayfish
An old man
yubere.
Mosquito -
kertewakka.
An old woman -
punderoo.
Fly -
oooengerry.
A baby
pitta.
Snake
kunderry.
A White man
The Blacks -
kerna.
Children -
pitta.
A Blackf ellow
kerna.
Head -
kunnea.
A Black woman
wunga petury.
Eye -
- mia.
Nose -
milla.
Ear -
nun-a.
THE HAMILTON RIVER.
353
No. 102.— Hamilto
N RivEB — continued.
Mouth
- pulka.
Boomerang -
Teeth -
- milka.
Hill -
Hair of the heac
-
Wood -
Beard -
- nurca.
Stone -
gibba.
Thunder -
- pelba, bilpa.
Camp -
noora.
Grass -
Tongue
Stomach -
- bugaroo.
- thuUy.
- kunuerra.
Yes -
No -
murchillmga
muUo.
Breasts
- kabboogo.
I
nutta.
Thigh- -
- murla.
You -
emba.
Foot -
- thinna.
Bark -
Bone -
- bena.
Good -
myalle.
Blood -
- noorkey.
Bad -
munna.
Skin -
- nunderry.
. Sweet -
Fat -
- wammo.
Pood -
Bowels
-
Hungry,
naumalcha.
Excrement -
- koouua.
Thirsty
thimingla.
War-spear -
- nurroa.
Eat -
tutchegga.
Reed-spear -
-
Sleep -
mutohugla.
Throwing-stick
-
Drink -
Shield-
- yalkeberry.
Walk -
kundinga.
Tomahawk -
- warramberta.
See -
nutchelinga.
Canoe -
_
Sit -
nungelunga.
Sun -
- walka.
Yesterday -
Moon -
- geba.
To-day
Star -
_
To-morrow -
Light -
-
Where are the
winta kerna
Dark -
-
Blacks?
Cold -
- muley.
I don't know
Heat -
- nuppo.
Day - -
_
Plenty
burry.
Night -
-
Big -
mungora.
Fire -
- mukka.
Little -
perpeura.
Water
- kamo.
Dead -
yetia.
Smoke
- putthy.
By-and-by -
- cuma.
Ground
- mundey.
Come on
koway, koi.
Wind-
- thurobo.
Milk -
Rain -
- kutha.
Eaglehawk -
God -
-
Wild turkey
Ghosts
-
Wife -
VOL. 11.
z
354
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE
No. 102.— HAMILTON RIVER,
By R. M. Collins, Esq.
Kangaroo -
- muttjumpa.
Hand -
- mera.
Opossum
- pumbribharro.
2 Blacks -
- barkoola kerna
Tame dog -
- dabe.
3 Blacks -
-
Wild dog -
- myallee.
One -
- nooroorr.
Emu -
•• quilberri.
Two -
- barkoola.
Black duck
- konga.
Three -
Wood duck
Pelican
- potha.
- murli-muller.
Four -
-
Laughing jackass
Father
- abori.
Native companion boralga.
Mother
- ama.
White cockatoo
- koolera.
Sister-Elder
- kako.
Crow •
- workulla.
„ Younger
-
Swan -
-
Brother-Elder
- wangi.
Egg -
- pambo.
„ Younger
Track of a foot
-
Fish -
- kooia.
A young man
- berniaka.
Lobster
-
An old man
- kabo-kappa.
Crayfish
-
An old woman
- panderro.
Mosquito -
- murka.
A baby
- merri.
Fly -
- koonungeri.
A White man
_
Snake
The Blacks -
- goongera.
- kuerna or "kerna.
Children -
- koorauggeri (?)
A Blackfellow
- kerna.
Head -
-- kurdi.
A Black woman
- wongata.
Eye -
- meea.
Nose -
- millia.
Ear -
- nara.
THE HAMILTON RIVEE.
355
No. 102. — Hamilton
Mouth
- bima.
Teeth
- milka.
Hair of the head
- kooni.
Beard -
- unga.
Thunder -
- billpa.
Grass -
- buggera.
Tongue
- thalli.
Stomach
- manno.
Breasts , -
- muna.
Thigh
- merla.
Foot -
- ohinna.
Bone -
- prinna.
Blood -
- kemba.
Skin -
- kurli.
Fat -
- tootoo.
Bowels
-
Excrement -
- kooma.
War-spear -
- arra.
Reed-spear -
- kundewarra.
Throwing-stick
-
Shield -
- bibleburra.
Tomahawk -
- worrumberra.
Canoe -
Sun -
- wUka.
Moon -
- changi.
Star -
- pinbi. -
Light -
- yoomenula.
Dark -
- yoomeloo.
Cold -
- malli.
Heat -
- koorokooro.
Day -
-
Night -
- yerri (?).
Fire -
- mukka.
Water
- kakko.
Smoke
- koodo.
Ground
- myi.
Wind-
- terribo.
Ealn -
- palla.
God - -
- elgera.
Ghosts
- muma.
RiVEE — contimied.
Boomerang - - billerberro.
Hill -
Wood-
Stone -
Camp -
Yes -
No -
I
You -
Bark -
Good -
Bad -
Sweet -
Pood -
Hungry
Thirsty
Eat -
Sleep -
Drink -
Walk -
See -
Sit -
Yesterday -
To-day
To-morrow -
Where are the
Blacks ?
I don't know
Plenty
Big - -
Little -
Dead -
By-and-by -
Come on
Milk -
Eaglehawk -
Wild turkey
Wife -
2
- dippo.
- mooroo.
- dippo.
- noora.
mallo.
- tonguru.
- uronguri.
- thachier.
- womulga.
- timmia.
- moooher.
- kunderchier.
- pepia.
- nungia.
inthia a kuerna?
- tir nila.
- perri.
- uarraha.
- yettier.
- quema.
- kowa.
- kalbago.
- barkum.
-, kooberro.
356
THE AUSTRALIAN EACE ;
No. 102— ROXBURGH DOWNS, LOWER GEORGINA.
By James Ceaigie, Esq.
Kangaroo -
mutchumba or
Hand -
murra.
muttumba.
2 Blacks -
barkoola kema.
Opossum -
wompella.
3 Blacks -
barkoola knoora
Tame dog -
toota.
kema.
Wild dog -
peealee.
One -
knooroora.
Emu -
koolparry.
Two -
barkoola.
Black duck
goondanarri.
Three -
barkoola knoora.
Wood duck
Pelican
kurlitulpa.
kartungara.
Pour -
barkoola-
Laughing jackass
barkoola.
Native compauior
I bralgo.
Father
yapperi.
White cockatoo -
Mother
numma.
Crow -
wokkardi.
Sister-Elder
yakko.
Swan -
„ Younger
Egg -
bembo.
Brother-Elder ■
theti.
Track of a foot -
tina.
,, Younger
Pish -
kobi.
A young man
willimenia.
Lobster
An old man
katoogata.
Crayfish
tinungi.
An old woman
mutchu-chu.
Mosquito -
monulka.
Ply . . .
koonanjeri.
A baby
tukko.
Snake -
kutti.
A White man ■
birri-birri.
The Blacks -
Children
bunta.
A Blackf ellow -
kema.
Head -
karte.
A Black woman -
wongetta.
Eye - -
mee-e.
Nose -
melia.
Ear -
knarra.
ROXBURGH DOWNS, LOWER GEORGINA.
357
No. 102. — ROXBUBGH
Mouth
- thera.
Teeth
- milka.
Hair of the head - bungo.
Beard
- nunga.
Thunder ■
- bilpa.
Grass
- bookera.
Tongue
- tharli.
Stomach
- toondoo.
Breasts
- katichu.
Thigh
- murla.
Foot -
- tina.
Bone -
- piua.
Blood -
- gimpa.
Skin -
- batta.
Fat - -
- toota.
Bowels
- dtoochi.
Excrement -
- koona.
War-spear -
- yettchirra.
Reed-spear -
-
Wommera or
throwiag-stick
Shield -
- terrango.
Tomahawk -
- worrumbatta.
Canoe -
-
Sun -
- walka.
Moon -
- chippa.
Star - -
- chingo.
Light -
- wokanna.
Dark -
- umallo.
Cold -
- mulU.
Heat -
- mukka-mukka
Day ^
-
Night - -
- oongdoonga.
Fire -
- mukka.
Water
- knappo.
Smoke
- koatoo.
Ground
- mie.
Wind -
- thooruppa.
Rain -
- pulla.
God -
-
Ghosta
- yammeroo.
Bovms— continued.
Boomerang -
- gilligella.
Hill -
- poori.
Wood - -
- mukka.
Stone -
- mukka (?).
Camp -
- knurra.
Yes -
- etcha.
No -
- mallo.
I
- knunga.
You -
- inknoo.
Bark -
- koolbaturre.
Good -
-
Bad -
- munna.
Sweet -
- pillarri.
Food -
- theohingi.
Hungry
- wonnara.
Thirsty
- ngattura.
Eat -
- thetchilinga.
Sleep -
- mutchulinga.
Drink -
- immallinga.
Walk-
- kurninga.
See -
- thuokamya.
Sit -
- nunkya.
Yesterday -
- kunwillooka.
To-day
- pumiarra.
To-morrow -
- merrilli.
Where are
the wara nunkia
Blacks ?
kema?
I don't know
- kuUi.
Plenty
- purri.
Big - -
■• mungoora.
Little -
- thieu.
Dead -
- koonta.
By-and-by -
- mooroo.
Come on
- kowa.
Milk - -
- amooguntooroo
Eaglehawk -
- koorithalla.
Wild turkey
- koUitona.
Wife !■
- noopamuUa.
358
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 102.— BETWEEN THE GEORGINA AND BURKE RIVERS.
By Alexandeb MacLean, Esq.
Kangaroo -
madchumbar.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum
dinnabally.
2 Blacks -
Tame dog -
beeotie-muUagar^
3 Blacks -
Wild dog ■
Emu -
Black duck -
Wood duck-
koolperry.
One -
Two -
Three -
- ngooroo.
- barcoola.
- ngooroo-barcoola
Pelican
Four -
- barcoola-barcoola
Laughing jackass
Father
-
Native companion baralgar.
Mother
- ngarma.
White cockatoo
Sister-Elder
_
Crow -
Swan -
Egg - -
Track of a foot
dinna.
„ Younger -
Brother-Elder -
,, Younger
Fish -
cooia or gweer.
A young man
-
Lobster
An old man
- coopa-coopa.
Crayfish
An old woman
- wangatha.
Mosquito -
A baby
-
Ply .
Snake -
The Blacks -
- tin j ear.
- kirua-mirrie.
A White man
Children
- birrie-birrie.
A Blaokfellow
kerna.
Head
- gurdie.
A Black woman
- mirrie.
Eye -
- mer, milardy
Nose -
koonkurry.
Bar -
- ngarrowa.
BETWEEN THE GBORGINA & BURKE RIVERS.
359
No. 102. — Between the Geokoina and Burke Rivers — continued.
Mouth
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
■ millea.
Hill -
-
Hair of the head
- goonie.
Wood -
- parroo.
Beard -
Stone -
- deepo.
Thunder -
- prilpa.
Camp -
- ngoora.
Grass -
- boogara.
Yes - -
- eya.
Tongue
- turley.
No -
- malloo, eranok.
Stomach
- warmo.
I
- utthu.
Breasts
-
You -
- inba.
Thigh -
- kurley.
Bark -
_
Foot -
Bone -
Blood -
Skin -
Fat - •
Bowels
- dinna.
- brinna.
- murkie.
Good -
Bad -
Sweet -
Food -
Hungry
- mially.
- eramially.
- erabulgurma.
Excrement -
- goonna.
Thirsty
- boorlyla.
War-spear -
-
Eat -
- tigerlinger.
Reed-spear -
Sleep
- mochylinger.
Wommera or
Drink
- temarlinger.
throwing-atiok
Walk
- ranjo.
Shield- -
Tomahawk -
Canoe -
Sun -
Moon -
■ wolea or wolca.
- cheepa.
See - -
Sit - ■ ••
Yesterday -
To-day
- peeperlinger.
- nungerlinger.
'star - -
- dingo.
To-morrow -
-
Light -
-
Where are the
Dark -
-
Blacks?
Cold - -
- mallee.
I don't know
-
Heat -
- undia, coorchi-
Plenty
-
Day -
Night - -
coorchia.
- murruUy.
- ngooritally.
Big -
Little -
- peerkillie, mun
goora.
- tyie-tyie.
Fire -.
Water
Smoke
Ground
Wind-
Rain -
- gootha, ngappo.
- boothi.
- mie.
- moorunguUa.
- bulla.
Dead -
By-and-by -
Come on
Milk -
Eaglehawk -
- yidgear.
- cunna.
- kowera.
- ngarmo
God -
_
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
.
Wife - "
360 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 1G3.— HEAD OF THE HAMILTON EIYEE.
By Ernest Bolinton, Esq.
The following vocabulary and account of the Yanda tribe
have been forwarded to me by Mr. Ernest Eglinton. The
territory of this people, estimated at between 2,000 and 3,000
square miles, was first occupied by the Whites in 1878, when
the Yanda are said to have numbered only about 100 souls.
Since then their numbers have been reduced to 15 men,
20 women, and 15 children; in all, 50 persons.
My informant thinks that, when he first knew the tribe
in 1879, there were several amongst them who had reached
the age of 80 years. Clothes are not worn by this tribe.
The head is plastered with pipe-clay on occasions of
mourning, and at corroborees the hair and skin are painted
with red ochre and pipe-clay. The Yanda women wear, on
occasions of corroboree, an ornament common in many parts
of Australia, which they call bowm. It is made of the two
front teeth of the kangaroo, which are fastened together at
their butts with sinew and gum, and extend at an angle of
45 degrees. They also wear the mungera (literally, opos-
sum), which is a belt made of mixed opossum fur and human
hair twisted together. This tribe have knives and tomahawks
of chipped stone or flint ; spears which are thrown by hand ;
boomerangs, slightly curved ; the tulumberri, a stick 4 feet
long and 2| inches in circumference, which is used as a
missile; and the kumbarli, a stick with a sharp flint fixed on
one end with gum, commonly called a chisel.
HEAD OP THE HAMILTON RIVER. 361
This tribe, it appears, decline to eat the iguana, through
superstitious motives, probably, for its flesh is well tasted.
They practise cannibalism, however, and eat the bodies of
young children who have died, and of their kinsmen slain in
battle. They do not object to tell their names, of which Mr.
Eglinton gives the following : — Males ; Ilpildirrien, Kudi-
mulinem, Nitnli, and Mantuli. Females : Karriwono, Ean-
ginta, Eubun, and Karkoomaralim. Fathers dispose of
their daughters in marriage, which occurs both within and
without the tribe. Few of the men have more than one
wife. Consumption is the most prevalent disease. The skin
is scarred in the usual way. Circumcision and the terrible
rite are inflicted on the youth, by which means they are ad-
mitted to the rights of men, a few always being exempted.
Pitcheree, mixed with the ashes of the ffidea leaf, is chewed
in the usual way. Some of this tribe have curly and others
straight hair. The men embrace on meeting after a long
separation. Wounds are plastered with mud, and heal
quickly.
Turning to the vocabulary, we find but one word to ex-
press both bone and wood; and that kookaburri, so often the
equivalent of laughing jackass, in this language means
emu.
The country occupied by the Yanda tribe is on the eastern
border of the Central Division.
362
THE AUSTBALIAJSr RACE:
No. 103.— HEAD OF HAMILTON RIVER.
By Ernest Eglinton, Esq.
Kangaroo -
matumba.
Hand -
murra.
Opossum
mungera.
2 Blacks -
warriki boolari
Tame dog -
mikamo.
3 Blacks -
Wild dog -
mikamo.
One ■
gooniba.
boolari.
ruto (?).
Bmu -
Black duck -
Wood duck
kookaburri.
bercamo.
Two -
Three -
Pelican
umbleterri.
Four -
ecarra.
Laughing jackass
kowitohi.
Father
koopon.
Native companion
booralga.
Mother
yunganna.
White cockatoo -
Sister-Elder
karginna.
Crow -
Swan -
Egg - - -
Track of a foot
wokkola.
kudo,
tina.
„ Younger
Brother-Elder
„ Younger
kardunna.
tita.
Msh ■
wokarri.
A young man
Lobster
An old man
kuntaima.
Crayfish
toomban.
An old woman
yunganna.
Mosquito -
moonya.
A baby
karrinunna.
Ply . .
Snake -
The Blacks -
A Blackfellow
ohiki-ehiko.
goondaro.
warriki.
warriki.
A White man
Children -
Head -
■ gungi, goongia.
- kardago.
- mureda.
A Black woman
wongita.
Eye -
- meal.
Nose -
■ tirki or tuki (?).
Ear -
■ talgan.
HEAD OF THE HAMILTON RIVER.
363
No
103.— HuATi OF Hai
IILTON RiVEE—
continued.
Mouth
■ tya.
Boomerang -
- bepaporo.
Teeth -
- ira.
Hill -
_
Hair of the head- bungu.
Wood -
- bunda.
Beard -
Thunder ■■
Grass -
Tongue
Stomach -
- talbarri. <
- ooraturri.
- bookurra.
- tyela.
- booroo.
Stone -
Camp -
Yes - -
No -
- goongo.
- marrpan.
- eallamarra.
- wontitella.
Breasts
- beriko.
I
- anga.
Thigh
- tara, (calf) eulo.
You -
- imba.
Foot -
- tina.
Bark -
- tirki-tirki.
Bone -
- bunda.
Good -
- kalamundiri.
Blood - -
- karruga.
Bad - -
- karlokoto.
Skin -
- binmin.
Sweet -
_
Fat -
- mulki.
Food -
- workia.
Bowels
Excrement -
■ koona.
Hungry
Thirsty
- goongindia.
- mundia.
War-spear -
Reed-spear -
Wommera or
- bipaparro.
Eat -
Sleep - -
- kartitingia.
- mutchelinya.
throwing-stick
Drink -
- ekarratingya.
Shield
- goonburra.
Walk -
- yannaninga.
Tomahawk -
- warrambuda.
See -
- bingininga.
Canoe -
-
Sit -
- ninauinga.
Sun -
- tooro.
Yesterday -
- toro.
Moon -
• multohi.
To-day
- kiya.
Star -
- markatto.
To-morrow -
.
Light -
Dark -
Cold - -
Heat -
Day -
Night- -
- tooro.
- winta.
- kitoha.
- ringan.
- narthanya.
- winta.
Where are the wariki wonar
Blacks? kika?
I don't know - narrimo.
Plenty - - ekari.
Big - - - beali.
Fire -
- eula.
Little -
- nekowla.
Water
- karko.
Dead -
- puUaurga.
Smoke
- toorko.
By-and-by -
- wiohunga.
Ground
- marban.
Come on
- towari eninga.
Wind- -
- wipar.
Milk -
- tambo.
Rain -
- karko.
Eaglehawk
- gooradilU.
God - -
-
Wild turkey
v - berkamno.
Ghosts
- bikerri.
Wife -
- natianna.
364
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 104.— ON THE HAMILTON EIVER, AND NEAR
BOULIA.
THE BITTA BITTA TRIBE.
By Ernest Eglinton, Esq.
In addition to this vocabulary, Mr. Ernest Eglinton has
also furnished me a short account of the Bitta Bitta trihe,
which differs so little in manners from the Telina as to
render its insertion unnecessary. No traces of small-pox
have been seen in this portion of the continent.
No. ]
04.— HAMILTON RIVER, NEAR
BOUT.TA
Kangaroo -
- matumba.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum
- tinaballi.
2 Blacks -
- barkoola kerna
Tame dog -
- munga.
3 Blacks -
- barkoolamero
Wild dog -
- punamya.
kemo.
Emu
- goolburri.
One ■•
- moorraroo.
Black duck
- pepulu.
Two -
- barkoola.
Wood duck
- bompeparoo.
Three -
- barkoolanero.
Pelican
- malimurro.
Four -
- barkoola-
Laughing jacka
3S
barkoola.
Native companion golathurra.
White cockatoo
.
Father
- apari.
Crow
- wakala.
Mother
- amma.
Swan -
.
Sister-Elder
- karko.
Egg - -
- bembo.
„ Younger
-
Track of a foot
- wando.
Brother-Elder
- wangi.
Fish - -
- koopi.
„ Younger
Lobster
-
A young man
- yapararri.
Crayfish
-
An old man
- kaboogaba.
Mosquito -
- mooroonga.
An old woman
- moitchu.
Fly - -
- mooki.
A baby
- merritai.
Snake -
- goondarra.
A White man
- tita.
The Blacks
- kerna.
Children
- tako-tako.
A Blaokf ellow
- kerna.
Head -
- kirti.
A Black woman
- moitu.
Eye -
- me.
Nose -
- melia.
Ear - -
- narrowa.
ON THE HAMILTON RIVER, NEAR BOULIA.
365
No. 104
.—Hamilton Rivbi
I, NEAR BOTJLIA—
continiied.
Mouth
perla.
Boomerang -
- teera.
Teeth -
milka.
Hill .
- kowarri.
Hair of the head
poingu.
Wood -
- moora.
Beard -
uunka.
Stone -
- tipo.
Thunder -
mungoona.
Camp -
Yea -
- ooia.
Grass -
bookarra.
- koh.
Tongue
turli.
No
- mallo.
Stomach
umba.
Breasts
kapatchu.
I
- ongya.
Thigh -
mirla.
You -
- imba.
Foot -
tina.
Bark -
- nalla.
Bone -
beena.
Good -
- myalli.
Blood -
kimba.
Bad -
- munna.
Skin -
nalla, '
Sweet -
- myalli.
Fat -
toota.
Food -
- tatchia.
Bowels
- umba.
Hungry
- yinaba.
Excrement -
koona.
Thirsty
- pooalli.
War-spear -
narrara.
Eat -
- tatchia. .
Reed-spear -
Sleep -
- mootchia.
Wommera or
Drink -
- timia.
thro wing-stick
Shield -
tunmarroo.
Walk -
- kundia.
Tomahawk -
warrinbutta.
See -
- bipika.
Canoe -
Sit -
- nunkia.
Sun -
walka.
Yesterday -
- moora-wulka.
Moon -
cheepa.
To-day
- karri.
Star -
chutaluminda.
To-morrow -
Light -
kinkimarria.
Where are the
indowa kema
Dark -
- burrumpurra.
Blacks ?
nunkia 1
Cold -
- malli.
I don't know
■ kerli.
Heat -
mukka-mukka.
Day -
Plenty
- pooinda.
Night ■
- umalo.
Big -
- mungoora.
Fire -
- pooti.
Little -
- tii.
Water -
- kuta.
Dead -
- itchia.
Smoke
- boongya.
By-and-by -
- toorra.
Ground
- mya.
Come on
- kowa-e-rango.
Wind -
- tuirubo.
Milk -
- toma.
Rain -
- pula.
Eaglehawk -
- perrowalli.
God -
Wild turkey
- pooranna.
Ghosts
- moma.
Wife -
- noba-nuUa.
366 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 105.— JUNCTION OF KING'S CEEEK AND THE
GEORGINA RIVER.
By J. O. Machattie, Esq., and J. S. Little, Esq.
The following information concerning the Moorloobulloo
tribe was forwarded to me by the gentlemen named above.
The country of this tribe, which is at the junction of King's
Creek and the Georgina (formerly Herbert) River, was first
occupied by the Whites in 1876. At that time the strength
of the tribe was about 250 souls, but between the period of
our occupation and 1883 thg number was reduced by con-
sumption and venereal to 180. No clothes are worn by
these people, who, when troubled by cold or mosquitos,
sleep in earth huts (probably dug out of the side of a sand-
hill and roofed with grass, bark, &c.), inside of which they
make their fires. When in mourning the head is plastered
with burnt gypsum, which singularly enough is called kopi,
the name in use in the Marowera tribe, which dwells at the
junction of the Darling and Murray, 750 miles to the south-
ward, for those solid coverings of the head already described.
The wommera is not in use in this tribe, but their arms and
implements display a good deal of carving and painting.
Their food consists principally of nardoo seeds, the animals
and wild-fowl of their country, snakes, iguana, &c. It is to
be noticed that though one tribe declines to eat mussels,
another oysters, a third mushrooms, a fourth igiianas, and
BO on, I am not aware that any rejects the snake, though
in some tribes it is not a favorite article of food. My
JUNCTION OP KING'S CREEK & GEORGINA RIVER. 367
informants remark that the persons of this tribe take each
the name of some bird or animal, which the individual calls
brother, and will not eat. Of this system, unfortnnately, no
further particulars are given, but it reminds one of what Sir
G-eorge Grey (vol. 2, p. 228) says of the kobong in Western
Australia.
No signs of small-pox having existed appear in this tribe.
I am informed by Mr. Machattie that, to his knowledge,
seven children have been eaten during the last six years
by the MoorloobuUoo, and that they habitually eat their
dead when not too much emaciated. The following are
names of persons : — Males: Woongongie, Kokomurti, Pill-
chellie, Murrumooli, and MurkHla. Females: Podoki and
Larlooti. Marriage is, for the most part, exogamous, and is
contracted by the males at seventeen and the females at
eleven years of age. Before, however, a male is allowed to
possess a wife the ordeal of the terrible rite has to be sub-
mitted to. These people scar the arms and shoulders
with mussel-shells, pressing the lips of the wounds
until they stand high above the general level of the
skin. Pitcheree, which is prepared and used in the usual
way, is obtained by barter from the nearest tribe on the
Mulligan, and is said to produce intoxication. The average
height of the males is five feet eight inches. The corroboree
does not differ from those Mr. Machattie has seen in the
southern portions of Queensland. The resemblances in the
equivalents oijlre, mood, and camp will be noticed. Koo=
yes, is found at Port Darwin in the north, on the West
Coast, and on Cooper's Creek. To suck the breast as a
baby does, is rendered kobbidya titia = breasts eat.
368
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
No. 105.— JUNCTION OF KING'S CREEK AND GEORGINA
RIVER.
Kangaroo -
- koonabulla.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum
- burloo.
2 Blacks -
- barkoola kur-
Tame dog -
- beeurli.
rana.
Wild dog '
- muUok.
3 Blacks -
barkooleroo kur
Emu -
- wargutchi.
rana.
Black duck -
- kurligoolpar.
One -
- ooroo.
Wood duck
- kowwar.
Two -
- barkoola.
Pelican
- murlimarroo.
Three -
- barkooleroo.
Laughing jackass (none).
Four -
- barkoolarbar-
Native companion brolgar.
koola.
White cockatoo
- (none).
Father
- yupri.
Crow ■
- wakeri.
Mother
- amori.
Swan -
- kurti.
Sister-Elder
- yawkoo.
Egg - -
- pumpo.
, , Younger
-
Track of a foot
- tinna.
Brother-Elder
- kooperi.
Fish -
- koppi.
„ Younger titi.
Lobster
-
A young man
- yuperi.
Crayfish
- trunagi.
An old man
- koopa-koopa.
Mosquito -
- gunte.
An old woman
- bundoora.
Fly - -
- gooningeni.
A baby
- takakoo.
Snake -
- kirtoba.
A White man
- whitepella.
The Blacks -
- kurrana murtoo.
Children -
- woolkaparri.
A Blackfellow
- kurrana.
Head -
- kirti.
A Black woman
- purraja.
Eye -
- mi.
Nose -
- mealia.
Bar -
- arra.
JUNCTION OF KING'S CREEK & GEORGINA RIVER. 369
No. 105.— Junction of Kino's Cbebk and Geokgina Rivee —
continued.
Mouth
■ teera.
Boomerang -
- giera.
Teeth -
- milka.
mil -
- waieri.
Hair of the head
- pundju.
Wood-
- murra.
Beard -
- nunka.
Stone -
- keppo.
Thunder -
- bUpa pundera.
Camp -
- murra.
Grass -
■ bookera.
Yes -
- koo.
Tongue
- turli.
No -
- wobba.
Stomach
- tundoo.
I
- uncha.
Breasts
- kobbedya.
You -
- imba.
Thigh -
- kurla.
Bark .-
- nulla.
Foot -
- tinna.
Good -
- ulyarri.
Bone -
- briuna.
Bad -
- munna-munna.
Blood -
- jimpar.
Sweet -
- queongo.
Skin -
- nulla.
Food -
_
Fat -
- tatta.
Hungry
- ommonchilla.
Bowels
- murda-murda.
Thirsty
- woolka murra-
Excrement -
- goona.
wondia.
War-spear -
- urrurra.-
Eat -
- titia.
Reed-spear -
- (none).
Sleep -
- muchia.
Wommera or
gundi-gundi.
Drink -
- temalinna.
throwing-stick
Walk -
Shield-
- koomburra.
See -
- tokomia.
Tomahawk -
- warramutta.
Canoe -
- (none).
Sit -
- munga-mungan-
dia.
Sun -
- walka.
Yesterday -
Moon -
- chungi.
To-day
moonyarribidyia.
Star -
- jimpi.
To-morrow -
- oo-oo-moUo.
Light -
-
Where are
;he kuma winienda ?
Dark -
- umolo.
Blacks ?
Cold - -
- nulli.
I don't know
- kurli.
Heat -
- yerrawier.
Plenty
- murtpo or parri.
Day -
Big - -
- punkilli.
Night -
-
Little -
- wurpa-wurpa.
Fire -
- mukka.
Dead -
- ityea.
Water
- nappe.
By-and-by -
- kumatoord.
Smoke
- kurtoo.
Ground
mai-i.
Come on
- kow-wa.
Wind-
■ tooropgo.
Milk -
- kobbedya.
Rain -
- kurta.
Eaglehawk
-
God -
..
Wild turkey
- kurreturo.
Ghosts
- kunmurri.
Wife -
- nopoona.
VOL. II.
2
A
LOWER DIAMANTINA. 371
No. 106.— LOWER DIAMANTINA.
(Long. 141° E.; Lat. 25° S.)
Anonymous.
An anonymous contributor has sent me a short account
of the Karawalla and Tunberri tribes, which dwell on the
Lower Diamantina, and as they are described as neighbours,
and but one vocabulary has reached me, I presume, as often
happens, that they speak the same language, or nearly so.
A yery important statement made in the account of the
manners of these tribes is that monogamy prevails in them, no
man being allowed to have more than one wife. Other than
this but little worthy of notice has reached me. These
tribes use the boomerang, but not the wommera ; no traces
of small-pox exist; children are eaten occasionally; marriage
is exogamous ; consumption is the most prevalent disease ;
pitcheree is chewed ; and circumcision, by means of which
the rights of manhood are conferred, is undergone by the
males when about seventeen years of age.
2 A 2
372
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 106.— LOWER DIAMANTtNA.
Kangaroo -
koora.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum -
burloo.
2 Blacks -
- barkoola kerna
Tame dog -
pande.
3 Blacks -
- barkoola-orroo
Wild dog -
pande.
kerna.
Emu -
warrawudgi.
One -
- orroo.
Black duck -
mingenarra.
Two -
- barkoola.
Wood duck
PeUoan
Laughing jackass
chiberli.
turta.
(none).
Three -
Four -
- barkoolamarna
- barkoola-bar-
koola.
Native companioH
White cockatoo
Crow -
Swan -
Egg -
Track of a foot
kuntharata.
murramute.
wokeri.
(none).
pompo.
mulka.
Father
Mother
Sister-Elder
,, Younger
Brother-Elder
- aperie.
- urnde.
- kako.
- nathura.
- naire.
Fish -
wongo.
„ Young
3r
Lobster
A young man
- wagi.
Crayfish
unde.
An old man
- karooro.
Mosquito -
- kunthi.
An old woman
- mutitu.
Fly - -
- mongi.
A baby
- nukaka.
Snake -
- minga.
A White man
- peri-peri.
The Blacks -
- kerna.
Children -
- poorloora
A Blackfellow
- orroroo.
Head -
- kunka.
A Black woman
■ punga.
Eye -
- milki.
Nose -
- purloo.
Ear -
- nuri.
LOWER DIAMANTINA.
373
No. 106. — LowEE, DiAMANTiNA — Continued.
Mouth
- bina.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- den.
Hill -
- meri.
Hair of the head - tunda.
Wood -
- moora.
Beard -
- unka.
Stone -
- murtra.
Thunder -
- unkinda.
Gamp -
- aru.
Grass -
- kuntha.
Yes -
- ko.
Tongue
- purlpa.
No -
- woba.
Stomach
- wopa.
I
- unge.
Breasts
- numma.
You -
- tini.
Thigh -
- ura.
Bark -
- warinde.
Foot -
- tina.
Good -
- patchi.
Bone -
- kunbo.
Bad -
- terri.
Blood -
- kaluka.
Sweet -
- kudye.
Skin -
- kurla.
Food -
- munka.
Fat -
- mume.
Hungry
- minikibe.
Bowels
- moonnoo.
Thirsty
- wardu.
Excrement -
- koona.
Eat -
- tinna.
War-spear -
- windra.
Sleep -
- parinda.
Reed-spear -
- (none).
Drink -
-
Throwiug-stick
- turtee.
Walk -
- tidina.
Shield -
Tomahawk -
Canoe -
Sun -
Moon -
Star -
Light -
Dark -
- toombaroo.
- murdra.
- (none).
- koorle.
- peumangle.
- kolunthe.
- burk.
- mooka.
See -
Sit -
Yesterday -
To-day
To-morrow -
Where are
Blacks ?
- kalinda.
- kunda.
- oorakoorle.
- keene.
- ununda.
the wirdong kema ?
Cold -
- terrili.
I don't know
- woba unge.
Heat -
- wiltoro.
Plenty
- matoo.
Day -
-
Big -
- piri.
Night -
-
Little -
- montooito.
Fire -
- tooroo.
Dead -
- paMda.
Water-
Smoke
Ground
Wind -
Eaiu -
- nappa.
- koodoo.
- pulo.
- jimbo.
- tindarheri.
By-and-by -
Come on
Milk -
Eaglehawk -
- ooroo.
- kowi.
- tuncat and ama
- kunthuUo.
God -
.
Wild turkey
- A^Tirkum.
Ghosts
,
Wife -
- newya.
374 THE AUSTEALIAN RACE:
No. 107.— THE JUNCTION OF THE THOMSON
AND BAECOO RIVERS, ALSO THE WHITULA
CREEK.
By J. Hbaoney, Esq., Fbaser, Esq., and Bdwaed Cuek, Esq.
Of the Birria, Koongerri, and Kungarditclii tribes, whicli
dwell in the country adjacent to the junction of the Thomson
and Barcoo Rivers, I have received an account from Mr.
Heagney, as also vocabularies of each of their dialects. Of
one of these tribes — the Birria — I have also received a de-
scription and vocabulary from my son, Mr. Edward Curr.
Mr. Heagney 's relation is to the following effect: —
The tribes in this locality are called Birria, Koongerri,
and Kungarditchi. The territory of the Birria is on the
western bank of the Thomson, and extends from Jundah to
the confluence of that river and the Barcoo, and further for
fifty miles down their united streams, which form Cooper's
Creek. From its frontage to these streams this territory
stretches back about forty miles in the direction of the
Diamantina. The country of the Koongerri* tribe i& on
the eastern bank of the Thomson, and comprises all the
country between that river and the Barcoo below Jundah,
and below Welford Downs on the Barcoo. It includes also
a strip of country about forty miles wide on the eastern side
of the Barcoo, from Welford Downs to its junction with the
Thomson, and along Cooper's Creek to the junction of the
* This word meaiis clry.
JUNCTION OF THOMSON & BARCOO RIVERS. 375
Kiabara Creek. The Kungarditchi country is about twenty
miles square, and is bounded on the south by the Kiabara
Creek, and on the west by the Koongerri country. The
territory of these tribes was gradually occupied by the
Whites during the interval between the years 1874 and
1878, the aggregate population of the three tribes at the
first of these dates being estimated at twelve hundred. The
women at present (1883) considerably outnumber the men,
many of the latter having been shot down by the Whites
when they first established themselves in the district.
Syphilis is and has been raging fatally in these tribes, of
which seven per cent, are children. Many of these people
are thought to have reached the age of sixty. Originally
they were quite naked, but now the few who can obtain cast-
off clothes from the Whites wear them. Their huts are
spaces scouped out of the sand-hills, covered in with grass
and clay, and the fires, which are made inside, keep
the dwellers warm and the mosquitos out. The same orna-
ments are worn by both sexes, and consist of necklaces
made of strong grass-stems, cut into lengths and threaded;
also the teeth of other Blacks (how worn or obtained is not
stated), and feathers, and bright seeds set in gum. They
likewise stick fur and down on their skins with the same
substance ; color themselves white when in mourning, and
adorn the person here and there with red or yellow ochre on
occasions of corroboree. For carrying water about in their
dry country, when travelling or hunting, they use boat-
shaped vessels of bark, about two feet six inches long, eight
inches deep, and eight inches wide. The principal imple-
ments of these tribes used to be stone tomahawks, ground to
an edge, which they obtained from neighbouring tribes in
exchange for spears, as their own country produces no stone
suited to the purpose. Since the occupation of their country
by the Whites, however, they have gradually obtained iron
tomahawks. They say that some few iron tomahawks and
knives found their way into their country, passed on from
one tribe to another, some thirty years before the squatter
376 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
appeared on the scene. Their weapons are carved to some
extent, and one of them is the boomerang, which, however,
only returns half way when thrown, as my informant
remarks. They are said to he an unwarlike people, and that
most of their quarrels have their origin in jealousies about
their women. Animals being very scarce in their country,
their principal food consists of reptiles, bulbs, seeds, and
fruits. Temporary ovens are sometimes used in cooking.
The young people are forbidden to eat emu eggs and the
flesh of the eaglehawk. Strange to say, these tribes, accord-
ing to my informant, object to eat fat. SmaU-pox has never
been heard of amongst them. Cannibalism is not very pre-
valent, as far as is known, though occasionally a child found
difficult to rear is eaten. The people of these tribes do not
object to tell their names.
Each tribe, I am informed, is divided into several classes,
and a man may marry into any class but his own, or get a
wife from another tribe. Perhaps there is some inaccuracy
in this statement, as the system is but imperfectly known;
at all events, marriage between persons nearly related by
blood is prohibited. At the present day in these tribes the
females largely outnumber the males, many of the men having
been shot, so that about ten per cent, of the males have more
than one wife. The original customs in such matters Mr,
Heagney has left unstated, if he knew them. Since the
advent of the Whites, few children are reared — the rifle,
syphilis, and debauchery having, as usual, commenced the
work of extermination.
These tribes scar themselves for the purpose of ornamen-
tation on the abdomen, chest, arms, and thighs, sometimes
horizontally, and at others vertically. In some of the divisions
the young men are circumcised, and in others not. At about
fourteen years of age they knock out the two middle front
teeth of the upper jaw, using for the purpose two sticks, one
as a punch, and the other as a hammer. They also pierce
the septum of the nose, wearing occasionally in the orifice a
bone, feather, or twig.
JUNCTION OP THOMSON & BARCOO RIVERS. 377
The people of these tribes, says Mr. Heagney, believe in
the existence of invisible beings, who can make them happy
or miserable, and are said to hover about the burial places of
the dead, and to be deeply offended by breaches of the laws
relating to food restrictions and to marriage. Should a young
Black, for instance, even break an emu egg, it is believed that
the offended spirits will shortly raise a storm of thunder and
lightning, in which the unlucky culprit will probably be
struck down. Often the tribe adjure these invisible beings,
in a song dedicated to the purpose, to inflict vengeance on
their enemies. They also supplicate them to send rain, by
placing a particular sort of stone on the edge of a waterhole.
No amount of reasoning or experience of the failures of their
charms, says my informant, can shake their belief in them.
Pitcheree, he continues, is used for chewing. It is prepared
by the plant being reduced to powder, and mixed with the
ashes of gidjee leaves, and produces, says my informant,
a sort of mild intoxication. No sort of sign language exists
amongst these tribes. They have no canoes, though in times
of flood no tribes have greater need of them. Even the use
of bark canoes by the Whites has not led to their adoption.
Emu are captured with nets, and killed with boomerangs.
They also catch fish in nets. Kangaroo there are none. The
males of these tribes are made young men at about seventeen
years of age, the ceremony in some of the divisions being
circumcision. Their dead they bury in sand-hills, with much
show of sorrow, whitening their skins with pipe-clay, which
they leave on for seven days.
Message-sticks have not been noticed. On meeting after
an absence, these people embrace and shake hands. The old
men have much influence with the tribes, but nothing is
known of any form of government. In some cases urine is
swallowed as medicine. Wounds are dressed with fat and
clay. Such is Mr. Heagney's account of these tribes.
I have already said that a second account of the Birria
tribe has been sent to me by my son. The facts he gives
were taken down from the statements of Mr. Fraser, a
378 THE AUSTEALIAK RACE:
gentleman who had resided for a considerable time on the
Whitula Creek, which runs through the country of the Birria.
My son's vocabulary was obtained from a Birria Black boy,
whose knowledge of English was rather defective. The
statements made by Mr. Fraser were to the following
purport : —
The Whitula Creek Station was taken up in 1874, the
Birria tribe, whose country it is, numbering at that time
about 500 souls. Longevity seems to be common amongst
them, for many have lost their teeth from age, and appear
to have reached eighty. "When first the Whites came
amongst them they wore no clothes, though such as can get
them do so now. Their huts are partly hollowed out of the
sand; are covered with sticks and earth, and have the fire
inside. Stripes of red ochre are their holiday adornment,
and in times of mourning they cover themselves with pipe-
clay. They have bags and fishing-lines made of wild hemp,
and construct dams for the capture of fish. The stone
tomahawks they formerly used were ground to an edge.
Their weapons are the ordinary boomerang which returns
when thrown, very ill-made spears and two-handed swords,
all of which they smear with red ochre. They have no
wommeras (throwing-sticks). Mussel-shells and flints are
used for cutting. Their food consists principally of wild
rice, nardoo, and grass seeds, all of which they make into
loaves and bake in the ashes. They also eat reptiles. Their
country being subject to terrible droughts, they have often
been reduced to great straits for food, and on such occasions
they had recourse to cannibalism. From the nature of
their food, sheep and cattle feeding must have been ruinous
to them. In the drought of 1876-7 they eat all their
children. In this tribe the possession of more than one wife
is absolutely forbidden, or was before the coming of the
Whites. Males and females are married at from fourteen to
sixteen, but are not allowed to rear children until they get
to be about thirty years of age; hence infanticide is general.
Males are circumcised when about twelve years of age.
JUNCTION OP THOMSON & BARCOO RIVERS. 379
They scar the person about the same time. Two upper
front teeth are knocked out, and the septum of the nose is
pierced, and a bone or quill worn through the orifice.
The hair of the Birria tribe is straight, they chew
pitcheree, and paint themselves white when in mourning.
It is the custom to embrace, and it is said kiss, after a long
separation.
380
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
No. 107.— VOCABULARY OF THE DIALECT OP THE
KUNGARDITCHI TRIBE.
By J. Hbagnbt, Esq.
Kangaroo -
cutohira, coola.
Hand -
murra.
Opossum
warnunga, co-
2 Blacks -
carooora bar-
thera.
coola.
Tame dog -
3 Blacks -
barcoola matina
Wild dog -
dethee, conatha.
carcoora
Emu -
coolperry.
One -
matina, ungal.
Black duck -
Wood duck -
Pelican
Laughing jackass
yellamoora.
goonary.
thirta.
Two -
Three -
Four -
barcoola boolara.
barcoola matina.
barcoola bar-
coola.
Native companion goontheri.
White cockatoo - mooramerry.
Father
copunya, moo-
Crow -
Swan -
Egg - - ■
Track of a foot
wawkerlo.
gootheroo.
coocurry.
thinna.
Mother
Sister-Elder
,, Younger
naro.
ominya.
coorcorminya.
pathunya.
Fish -
Lobster
goombilla, gooya.
Brother-Elder - goorkinya.
,, Younger
Crayfish
boagalli, thorna-
A young man
yiripie.
bun.
An old man
wongie.
Mosquito -
noka.
An old woman
wulko.
Fly - - -
moonthooan.
A baby (male)
- oornoo.
Snake -
thoolperoo, thia-
,, (female)
- urtoo.
gara.
A White man
The Blacks -
carooora, capo.
Children
A Blackfellow
Head -
- bumbo.
A Black woman
wondthowerry.
Eye -
- meyel.
Nose -
Ear -
- munga.
JUNCTION OF THOMSON & BARCOO RIVERS.
381
No. 107. — KuNGAEBiTCHi Teibe — Continued.
Mouth
- tyowa, thia.
Boomerang -
- yalka,bububeroo.
Teeth -
- yerrang, berra.
Hill -
- ree, weetyoo.
Hair of the head- bungee.
Wood -
- wocka, rirlka.
Beard
- onga, nunka.
Stone -
- berry, curdee.
Thunder -
- bookura.
Camp -
- oora, wooira.
Grass -
- condtha.
Yes -
- cardi.
Tongue
- thalang.
No - -
- walya.
Stomach
- aimella, mirra.
I
- boorko, nuthoo.
Breasts
- umma, ngamun.
You -
- ingowa, yinti.
Thigh
- moorta.
Bark -
- wathorra, pirra-
Foot -
- thinna.
birra.
Bone -
- etohewarra,
Good -
- burlo.
coongoon.
Bad -
- wiltha.
Blood -
- coorooka.
Sweet -
-
Skin -
- dthucarry, can-
Food -
- goonmango.
thirri.
Hungry
- wamaintha.
Fat -
- dthootha.
Thirsty
- wambawintha,
Bowels
- warrawooroo.
binganbundya.
Uxorement -
- goonna.
Bat -
- wonmanthoo,
War-spear -
- moortya, eanna.
ourrinukeroo.
Reed-spear -
Wommera or
throwing-stick
Shield -
-
Sleep -
Drink -
Walk -
- beka, woonellera
- coothango.
- thango, wauwil-
- thumberoo.
poora.
See -
- munna, nockun-
Tomahawk -
- goabara, paining.
thereena.
Canoe -
-
Sit -
- nanko.
Sun -
- moorie.
Yesterday -
- booka.
Moon -
- uUatha.
To-day
-
Star -
- coolaroo.
To-morrow -
- wikka.
Light -
_
Where are
the wanthelUca, car
Dark -
- buigell.
Blacks?
I don't know
coora ?
- weeya.
Cold -
- gilea, moorana.
Plenty
- mirty, nokul.
Heat -
- yowee, rincung.
Big - -
Little -
- wulko.
Day -
- cothogun.
- napoondya.
Night -
- gongongoo.
Dead -
- bookan, cotya-
Fire -
- wichun, oorla.
minni.
Water
- cacoa.
By-and-by -
- wandthee.
Smoke
- mooyoo.
Come on
- cowally.
Groimd
- thima.
Milk -
- umma, ngamoon.
Wind-
- yarrika.
Eaglehawk -
- corrowira, coori-
Rain -
- birta, yookun.
adthilla.
God -
-
Wild turkey
- goonging.
Ghosts
- goondtha.
Wife -
- noopunya.
382
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 107.— VOCABULARY OP THE KOONGERRI LANGUAGE.
By J. Hbaonet, Esq.
Kangaroo -
balcun.
Hand -
murra.
Opossum
wamonga.
2 Blacks -
karkoora
Tame dog -
barcoola.
Wild dog -
deethee.
3 Blacks -
barcoola murina
Emu -
koolperry.
karkoora.
Black duck -
yellamoora.
One -
murina.
Wood duck
goonery.
Two -
barcoola.
Pelican
thirta.
Three -
barcoola murina
Laughing jackass
Four -
barcoola
Native companion goontherra.
barcoola.
White cockatoo ■
mooramerry.
Father
thatanya.
Crow -
waukerlo.
Mother
umerninya.
Swan -
kootero.
Sister-Elder
- goorkuminya.
Egg - -
kookurry.
„ Younger
- bathunga.
Track of a foot
thinna.
Brother-Elder
■ goorkinia.
Fish -
goombilla.
„ Younger
Lobster
A young man
yiripy.
Crayfish
thoombur.
An old man
Mosquito -
noka.
An old woman
walko.
Ely ■ -
moonan.
A baby
oornoo.
Snake -
koorianurra.
A White man
The Blacks -
karkoora.
Children -
A Blackf ellow
karkoora.
Head -
bumbo.
A Black woman
Eye -
meyel.
Nose -
raingo.
Ear -
munga
JUNCTION OF THOMSON & BARCOO RIVERS.
383
No. 107. — VOCABULABY OF THE
Mouth - - thia.
Teeth - - - kirra or rirra.
Hair of the head - buntyoo.
Beard- - - nunka.
Thunder - - bookura.
Grass -
Tongue - - tallang.
Stomach - - mirra.
Breasts - - ngummun.
Thigh - - moorta,
Foot - - thinna.
Bone -
Blood - - - kurooka.
Skin -
Fat - - thootha.
Bowels - - warramurra.
Excrement - - koonna.
War-spear - - kanna.
Reed-spear -
Wommera or
throwing-stick
Shield - - thumboora.
Tomahawk t ■■ paining.
Canoe - - -
Sun - - - moori.
Moon - - - uUatha.
Star - - - yeokee.
Light -
Dark - - - bingel.
Cold - - - yirli.
Heat - - . warroong.
Day - - - kothogum.
Night- - - kulka.
Fire - - - wiohun.
Water - - kacka.
Smoke - - mooyoo.
Ground - - thirna.
Wind - - - yarika.
Rain - - .
God -
Ghosts - - gooing.
iooNGEBKi Language— coniinieed
Boomerang -
- yalka.
Hill -
- ree.
Wood-
- wokka.
Stone -
- berry.
Camp -
- oora.
Yes -
- ietha.
No -
- bombo.
I
- iowa.
You -
- enowa.
Bark -
- wathoora.
Good -
- burlo.
Bad -
- manyuthirria.
Sweet -
-
Food -
- goomango.
Hungry
- womando.
Thirsty
- woonboweena.
Eat -
- wonmunthoo.
Sleep -
- beka.
Drink
- koothango.
Walk -
- thango.
See - -
- oonee.
Sit -
- uma.
Yesterday -
- booka.
To-day
-
To-morrow -
- wikka.
Where are
ihe wanthera
Blacks ?
karkoora?
I don't know
- weeya.
Plenty
- mirty.
Big - -
- wulko.
Little -
- napoodyeto.
Dead -
- boooanitya.
By-and-by -
- wanthee
wanthee.
Come on
- kowally.
Milk -
- amma.
Eaglehawk -
- corowera.
Wild turkey
- worka.
Wife -
- noopunga.
384
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
No. 107.— VOCABULARY OF THE BIRRIA LANGUAGE.
By Edwakd Cueb, Esq.
In this vocabulary compare heat and fire. The resemblance is an un-
common one. In it also we meet in use the letter v. The phrase track
of a foot is not equivalent to foot simply, as generally happens. Fish is
rendered hammoo, which usually means water, so that altogether I think
some of the words unreliable.
Kangaroo -
- palgan.
Opossum
- woomanga
Tame dog -
-
Wild dog -
- tuti.
Emu -
- kubane.
Black duck -
- peya.
Wood duck
-
Pelican
- tarta.
Laughing jackass
Native companion mulvani.
White cockatoo - murmari.
Crow - - - wawgala.
Swan -
Egg - - - kokarri.
Track of a foot - migla.
Pish -
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
Fly - - -
Snake
The Blacks -
A Blaokf ellow ■
A Black woman ■
Nose -
kammoo.
naka.
moonan.
kadi.
mirti.
mirti.
muchmali.
mingoo.
Hand -
- marra.
2 Blacks -
-
3 Blacks -
-
One -
- mirina.
Two -
■ barkooloo.
Three -
• barkool marrar.
Four -
- barkoolabarkoola
Father
- tatanya.
Mother
- narmaquia.
Sister-Elder
- koorkagni.
„ Younger - nabuku.
Brother-Elder - purghi.
,, Younger nathana.
A young man
An old man
An old woman - walgo.
A baby - - mararida.
A White man
Children
Head - - pumba.
Eye - - - me-il.
Ear - - - kurra.
JUNCTION OF THOMSON & BARCOO RIVERS.
385
No. 107.-
-VOCABULAEY OF THE
BiEEiA liAnavAOE—cmitimied.
Mouth
- tya.
Boomerang -
- biboobooroo
Teeth -
- yerra.
Hill -
_
Hair of the heac
- warqu.
Wood -
- wagga.
Beard -
- nanga.
Stone -
- parri.
Thunder -
-
Camp -
- murra.
Grass -
- kanda.
Yes -
Tongue
- talli.
No -
Stomach
- mirra.
Breasts
- ngamma.
I - -
-
Thigh -
- tarra.
You -
Foot -
- tinna.
Bark -
- wadura.
Bone -
- ohiora.
Good -
-
Blood - -
- karuga.
Bad -
-
Skin -
-
Sweet -
-
Fat -
- tudda.
Food -
_
Bowels
-
Hungry
_
Excrement -
- koorna.
Thirsty
-
War-spear -
- kanni.
Reed-spear -
- yalamba.
Eat -
-
Wommera or
warga.
Sleep -
-
throwing-stick
Drink -
-
Shield- -
- pygiUa.
Walk -
-
Tomahawk -
- kulby.
See -
-
Canoe -
-
Sit -
-
Sun -
- murra.
Yesterday -
-
Moon -
- uallada.
To-day
-
Star -
- yichi.
To-morrow -
_
Light -
-
Where are
the
Dark -
-
Blacks?
Cold -
- velli.
J
I don't know
.
Heat -
- wawgin-nawgin.
Day -
_
Plenty
-
Night - -
-
Big -
-
Fire -
- wawgin.
Little -
-
Water
- kagoo.
Dead -
-
Smoke
- trugoo.
By-and-by -
-
Ground
-
Come on
-
Wind - .
• yarga.
Milk -
-
Rain -
- kuguroo.
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
-
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
-
Wife - -
-
VOL. II.
2
B
BOOK THE NINTH
2U 2
BOOK THE NINTH.
PREFATORY REMARKS.
We now begin with the manners and languages of the
tribes which inhabit what I have termed the Eastern
Division of the continent. Those brought under notice in
this book are from the northern portion of the division. . In
this area circumcision and the terrible rite are unknown
except in one tribe. This is a most remarkable feature. It
is to this area also we have confined the curious custom of
the languages in many cases being named after their negative
adverbs and in others the tribes. As regards the order in '
which I have numbered and described the tribes of the Eastern
Division it is important to notice that though I have taken
them from east to west and then from west to east alternately,
and so gradually descended south, that language shows the
spread of the race in this locality to have been, roughly
speaking, in several north and south lines, one of which fol-
lowed the coast, another skirted the Central Division, there
having been one or more in the interval between these two.
No. 108.— PEINCESS CHAELOTTE'S BAY, NORTH
QUEENSLAND.
By W. 0. HoDOKiNSON, Goldfields Wabden, Mattown.
The following particulars concerning a tribe resident at
Princess Charlotte's Bay were obtained by Mr. W. 0.
Hodgkinson from a boy ten years of age called Mai, one of
a couple captured in that locality. By whom the capture
was effected Mr. Hodgkinson does not say, and probably
does not know, for it is not at all an unusual circumstance
390
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
in North Queensland for a boy of tender years to be seized
by a White man, taken away from his tribe and country, and
brought up as a stockman or station hand, in which capacity
his excellent sight and powers of tracking animals render
him specially useful. The country of Mai's tribe is called
Mukinna. The men of it practise cannibalism, and Mai's
ears are pierced for the reception of some ornament.
Amongst the few words obtained from the child we have
kulka for war-spear, a word which with some alterations we
meet with in several parts of the continent. The equivalents
otfire and wood also dilBer but slightly, which is a very
common feature in our languages. There is but one word
for star and smoke. We have seen that another tribe look
on the Magellan clouds as smoke.
No. 108.— PRESrCESS CHARLOTTE'S BAY,
Kangaroo ■
Opossum
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu -
Black duck -
Wood duck-
Pelican
Laughing jackass
Native companion
White cockatoo -
Crow - - -
Swan -
Egg - - -
Track of a foot -
Fish -
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
Hy - - -
Snake - - .
The Blacks -
A Blackfellow -
A Black woman -
Nose - , .
yearpee.
koolan.
guarga.
boongil.
kurnpul.
buudeela.
wattalla.
telpee.
emil.
takko.
wunpoo.
bulbul.
yeerum.
muntyin.
Hand -
2 Blacks -
3 Blacks -
One -
Two -
Three -
Four -
Father
Mother
Sister-Elder
,, Younger -
Brother-Elder -
,, Younger
A young man
An old man
An old woman -
A baby
A White man
Children
Head - - -
Eye -
Ear •
- boolom.
parra.
- mea.
- toontree.
- yimpa.
PRINCESS CHARLOTTE'S BAY.
391
No.
108. — Pelncess Chahlotte's Bay — contimied.
Mouth
- kama.
Boomerang -
- winche.
Teeth -
- kummun.
Hill -
.
Hair of the heac
- mea.
Wood -
. yoompa
Beard -
- watta.
Stone -
- koola.
Thunder -
-
Camp -
- wippe.
Grass -
-
Yes -
-
Tongue
- darbi.
No -
_
Stomach
- toolka.
I
Breasts
- ohacha.
You -
Thigh -
- puhn.
Bark -
Foot -
- takko.
Good -
Bone -
-
Bad -
.
Blood -
-
Sweet -
.
Skin -
-
Food -
.
Fat -
-
Hungry
-
Bowels
-
Thirsty , -
-
Excrement -
-
Eat -
.
War-spear -
- kulka.
Sleep -
Reed-spear -
-
Drink -
_
Throwing-stick
- botcha.
Walk -
Shield
- cheege.
See -
Tomahawk -
- wakko.
Canoe ■
- tandi.
Sit -
Sun -
- wootcha.
Yesterday -
-
Moon -
- arpe.
To-day
Star -
- tumpe.
To-morrow -
-
Light -
-
Where are the
Dark -
-
Blacks ?
Cold -
-
I don't know
-
Heat -
-
Plenty
-
Day -
-
Big - -
-
Night -
-
Little -
.
Fire -
- yuma.
Dead -
Water
.
Smoke
- tumpa.
By-and-by -
-
Ground
_
Come on
-
Wind-
_
Milk -
-
Rain -
.
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
-
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
.
Wife -
.
392
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 109.— ENDEAVOUK EIVEE.
By Captain Cook and Captain P. P. King.
The following short vocabularies are extracted, the first from
the account of Captain Cook's Voyages, as set out in The
Voyage of Governor Phillip to Botany Bay, published in
1790, and the second from Captain P. P. King's Survey of
the Coast of Australia. Meul = eye and gulka = spear are
the only terms common in Australia which appear in these
vocabularies. Several of the words, however, are met with
in the vocabularies of Cape York, of the Granite Range at
the head of the Mitchell, and of Weary Bay. I have not
been able to obtain any original information from this neigh-
bourhood. Eemarks on the word kangaroo have been made
at page 27, vol. I.
English.
Captain Cook.
Captain P. P. King.
Head - - - -
Wageegee.
Hair - - - -
Morye - - - -
Moreah. -
Eyes . - - -
Meul - - - ..
Me-ell, caree.
Ears - - - -
Melea - : - -
Milkah.
Nose - - - -
Bonjoo - - - . -
Emera,ria,, pote-er.. ,
Tongue
Unjar.
Beard - - - -
Wallar - - - r
WoUah. *
Hands- - - -
Marigal.
Thighs
Coman.
Eeet - - -
Edamal.
Cockatoo
Wanda.
Sun -
Gallan.
Eire - - - -
Meanang.
A man
Bama, bamma.
Canoe - - - -
Marigau
Maragan.
Sit - - - -
Takai, tooaya.
Dog -
Cotta, kota.
Blood -
Garmbe.
Wood - - - -
Yocou.
Father -
Dunjo.
ENDEAVOUR RIVER.
393
English.
Captain Cools:.
Captain P. P. King.
Woman
Mootjel.
Bone . - - -
Baityebai.
Teeth - - ■ -
MuWre or m61e
Molear.
Breasts
Coyor.
Stomach
Gippa.
Kangaroo -
Kangooroo -
Meuftah.
Fish - - - -
Poteea.
Water -
Poorai.
Earth - - - -
Poa-poa.
Spear - - . -
Gulka.
Wommera -
Melpairo.
Eat ... -
Boota, yatta.
Drink ...
Chuohala.
Sit - - . -
Tuoai.
Sleep ... -
Poona.
Come hither
Hala, mA^.
Afly .
Tabugga, chapaua.
No. 110.— WEABY BAY.
By Thomas Hughes, Esq.
A vocABTJLAET of the language spoken at Weary Bay and
a few facts connected with the tribes in that locality have
been kindly forwarded to me by Mr. Thomas Hughes.
Several tribes, whose habits are but imperfectly known, live
in association on the shores of Weary Bay and the country
immediately adjacent. Their names are Bulpoonarra, Koo-
nara, Wolburra, Moolburra, Moo-arra, Yokarra, Ikkarra,
Yekkarra, Amaggi, and Geugagi. With the exception of
having wooden canoes with outriggers (whether made by
themselves or obtained from the Malays or others is not
stated), there seems to be nothing to distinguish these from
other Australian tribes. Thus, cannibalism is practised ;
their arms are spears, shields, and clubs, which they smear
with red ochre and grease ; they make the usual nets and
bags, have reed necklaces, and dance the corroboree. They
394
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
also knock out one or more teeth in youth, scar the skin, and
subject the young males to certain secret ceremonies. Cir-
cumcision, the terrible rite, and the marks of small-pox are
not met with in this neighbourhood. Food, which consists
chiefly of yams, roots, and fruits, is plentiful in the country
of these tribes.
Turning to the vocabulary, we find kooea =Jish; murra =
hand; meil = eye; kulka = spear; also that milk_&'nA. breasts
are expressed by the same word, bibi ; and that there is but
one word iotfoot and track of afoot — all Australian pecu-
liarities more or less widely spread. Bumma = Blackfellom
is found with little alteration in the same sense at Endeavour
Eiver, and on the head-waters of the Walsh and Mitchell
Rivers.
No. no.— WEARY BAY.
By Thomas Hughes, Esq.
Kangaroo -
darbar.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum
kokoren.
2 Blacks -
- mummera
Tame dog -
kai-a.
bumma.
Wild dog -
3 Blacks -
- koUur bumma.
Emu -
korundi.
One -
- nobin.
Black duck -
kalmaira.
Two -
- mummera.
Wood duck-
Three -
- kollur.
Pelican
bulwarra.
Four -
Father
Laughing jackass
Native companion
- nundin.
White cockatoo -
bemba.
Mother
- nammo.
Crow -
watta.
Sister-Elder
- pappar.
Swan -
„ Younger
- booba.
Egg -
dewan.
Brother-Elder
- yabba.
Track of a foot -
bena.
„ Younger yabbado.
Fish -
kooea.
A young man
- warroro.
Lobster
An old man
- binanugh.
Crayfish
Mosquito -
Fly .
An old woman
A baby
- gumba-gnmba
- gimgal.
Snake -
tingalmo.
A White man
- wangar.
The Blacks -
bumma.
Children
- gungal.
A Blackf ellow
bumma.
Head ,-
- tokal.
A Black woman -
dalbo.
Bye -
■ meil.
Nose -
Ear -
- njitkabuggir.
WEARY
BAY.
2
No. 110.— Wkauy Bay— continued.
Mouth
- unbrga.
Boomerang -
- wongai.
Teeth
- noman.
Hill -
- munjal.
Hair of the head
-
Wood -
- toko.
Beard -
- wallar.
Stone -
- kulgai.
Thunder -
- morban.
Camp -
- yamba.
Grass -
- karrara.
Yes -
- yho.
Tongue
- teall.
No
- karrir.
Stomach
- tepar.
Breasts
- bibi.
I
- ngio.
Thigh- -
- narir.
You -
- yoono.
Foot -
- tenna.
Bark -
- bital.
Bone -
- paggeboy.
Good -
- mintii.
Blood -
-
Bad -
- warrar.
Skin -
- youalban.
Sweet -
- talbo.
Fat -
- wondole.
Pood -
- mena.
Bowels
- towal.
Hungry
- taquey.
Excrement -
- dada.
Thirsty
- wawoli.
War-spear -
- kulka.
Eat -
- nocal.
Reed-spear -
-
Sleep -
- warungo.
Wommera or
tekara
throwing-stick
Drink -
- nocal.
Shield
- toppar, wainbil.
Walk -
- notori.
Tomahawk -
- tea, buba.
See -
- nichal.
Canoe -
- berongaboy.
Sit -
- bundy.
Sun -
- ungar.
Yesterday -
- yeeli.
Moon -
- kitar.
To-day
- neco.
Star -
- towar.
To-morrow -
- ungan.
Light -
- tingar.
Where are the yrudowondo
Dark -
- woltour.
Blacks?
bumma ?
Cold -
- kiwai.
I don't know
- wontong.
Heat -
_
Day -
.
Plenty
- kokora.
Night - -
-
Big -
■ teri.
Fire -
- watchil, kungin.
Little -
- buban.
Water
- banna or bauna.
Dead -
- woUai.
Smoke
- nalgo.
By-and-by -
- tooma.
Ground
- gobo.
Come on
- kuttai.
Wind-
- kooinar.
Milk -
- bibi.
Rain -
- kappar.
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
-
Wild turkey
- kural.
Ghosts
n
Wife -
- munnar.
395
396 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 111.— AKOONKOON, PALMEE EIVER.
By Bdwabd Palmbe, Esq.
The following vocabulary and short account of the Mirkin
tribe were forwarded to me by Mr. Edward Palmer.
The country of this tribe, which extends from Palmerville
to the junction of the Palmer and Mitchell, is stated to have
been first occupied by the Whites in 1874, Mr. Palmer
becoming personally acquainted with it in 1878. In 1884,
the Mirkin tribe had not yet been " let in," as the phrase
goes ; in other words, the Whites' were still at war with
them, many having been shot down in retaliation for spear-
ing horses and cattle. From whom the vocabulary which
follows was obtained is not stated, but Mr. Palmer mentions
a woman of the tribe being domesticated on his station, and
it may have been from her. Of the few customs detailed
but a small portion are of interest. Cannibalism and infan-
ticide, it is stated, both prevail ; the tribe is divided into four
classes in connection with marriage laws; some of the people
have their bodies scarred; circumcision is not practised; two
teeth are knocked out; fish is procured by spearing, and also
by poisoning waterholes; and a. drink is said to be made
from the Eucalyptus tetrodonta and water (as well as some
other plants) for the cure of fever. This is a curious fact, if
correct.
As regards the vocabulary, it contains few of the features
general in our languages. The equivalents of mother, spear,
and you are, however, undoubtedly Australian in root. Fire
and wood are expressed by one word, breasts and milk by
AEOONKOON, PALMER RIVER. 397
another ; and there are distinct terms for elder and younger
brothers and elder and younger sisters, all of which are
common features in the languages of this continent.
Athurur = pelican is found on the Norman Eiver.
In my long list of related tongues, of which, I am afraid,
even the ethnologist will grow weary, many, nevertheless,
present certain minor features of their own. As a rule, time
has been wanting to draw attention to details of this sort,
and the student has been left to discover them for himself.
It may, however, be noticed here that in some of the voca-
bularies the words generally comprise many syllables, in
others but few; that in a third, r as an initial sound is
common ; and in a fourth the ch is absent, and so on. In
the vocabulary of the Mirkin, the peculiarity is an unusual
prevalence of o and oo as initial sounds. In this as in the
last vocabulary eat and drink have but one word to express
them.
398
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 111.— PALMER RIVER.
Kangaroo -
innar.
Opoasum
oolon.
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
oota.
Emu -
oorooba.
Black duck
onoogi.
Wood duck
Pelican
atharoo.
Laughing jackass
Native companion
ingibbi.
White cockatoo -
enbogunby.
Crow -
atha.
Swan -
Egg - - -
anthool.
Track of a foot •
amul.
Pish -
oyi.
Lobster
Crayfish -
omothoo.
Mosquito -
ombolum.
Fly - - -
amin.
Snake
oloor.
The Blacks -
A Blackfellow -
immi.
A Black woman -
aruutha.
Nose -
omo.
Hand -
- irre.
2 Blacks -
- immi impa.
3 Blacks -
immi aroolko
One -
appool.
Two -
impa.
Three -
aroolko.
Four -
abunji.
Father
atheem.
Mother
among.
Sister-Elder
thuppa.
„ Younger
ejeeja.
Brother-Elder
athil.
Youngei
amoko.
A young man
agannoong.
An old man
oolpa.
An old woman
A baby
awillung.
A White man
Children
Head -
ambogo.
Eye -
immun.
Ear -
iunur.
AKOONKOON, PALMER RIVER.
399
No. 111. — Palmek 'RiyEB.—continiied.
Mouth
- amitting.
Boomerang -
- mulkarra.
Teeth -
- ookool.
Hill -
- jakkaro.
Hak of the head
- aUnng.
Wood -
- oomar.
Beard -
- aworko.
Stone -
- oolkon.
Thunder -
-
Camp -
- ogue.
Grass -
- ookin.
Yes -
- yowo.
Tongue
- elpin.
No -
- anuncha.
Stomach
- oroom.
I
- inun.
Breasts
- onyong.
Thigh -
- amathling.
You -
- inoo.
Foot -
- aunil.
Bark -
- ooukil.
Bone -
- okko.
Good -
- oonge.
Blood - -
- onyel.
Bad -
- inthe.
Skin -
- atteen.
Sweet -
- inboo.
Fat - -
- ongne.
Pood -
- athenning.
Bowels
-
Hungry
- ange.
Excrement -
- oothun.
Thirsty
- ingky.
War-spear -
- ulka.
Eat -
- athathi.
Reed-spear -
Sleep - -
- enthul.
Throwing-stick
- ombone.
Drink -
- athathi.
Shield
- koolmurra.
Walk -
- aguUaki.
Tomahawk -
- egan.
See -
- tarti.
Canoe -
-
Sit -
_
Sun -
- etha.
Yesterday -
- anunba.
Moon -
- thargan.
Today
- amilmean.
Star -
- ilbannoong.
To-morrow -
- oloong.
Light -
-
Where are
the
Dark - -
- ilboong.
Blacks ?
Cold - -
- oloorgo.
I don't know
Heat -
- atha.
Plenty
.
Day -
- ethuttaga.
Night -
-
Big -
Little -
- ingam.
- otohoo.
Fire -
- oomar.
Dead -
- oolbin.
Water
- ogno.
Smoke
- orkoon.
By-and-by -
- oloolbinunga
Ground
- ogooe.
Come on
-
Wind- -
- olboongol.
Milk -
- oyong.
Rain -
- ogno.
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
-
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
- inmanningam.
Wife - -
-
400 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 112.— THE LYND RIVER.
By W. 0. K. Hill, Esq., Goldfields Warden, Geokoetown.
The following information concerning the Queeariburra
tribe was forwarded to me by Mr. W. 0. K. Hill, who
obtained it from Mr. F. C. Urquhart, Sub-inspector of
Native Mounted Police. Burra, the termination of the
tribal name, will be seen to be a very common one amongst
the tribes which inhabit the country between the Burdekin
and the sea. This tribe, it is said, roams over a large area,
frequenting the ranges at the head of the Lynd in the
summer or wet season, and the east coast in winter. But
the imperfect acquaintance we have with tribes in this
neighbourhood, and the conflicting accounts we receive of
the boundaries of their territories, renders it an impossibility
to map them with any accuracy.
This portion of Queensland the Whites began to occupy
in 1872, and in 1883 the Queeariburra tribe was estimated
by Mr. Urquhart to consist of 800 women, 270 men, and a
very few — say 100 — children. Assuming this estimate of
the women to have been correct, and that the females of the
tribe had remained unaltered since 1872, I should set down
the Queeariburra population at the date of our occupation to
have been 2,400 men, 800 women, and 1,600 children, or
4,800 persons in all, which I consider to be a decidedly
excessive figure. However this may be, Mr. Urquhart
attributes the great falling off in numbers to the rifle and
syphilitic diseases introduced by the Whites. From his
account I gather further th« following facts.
The Queeariburra, like all the tribes in this part of
Queensland, go naked. They use both the boomerang and
wommera, which, together with their clubs, are profusely
painted a,nd carved. One of their principal articles of diet
is the root of the lily. That they are cannibals my informant
has had ocular demonstration. No marks of small-pox
exist, but measles, contracted no doubt from us, have raged
amongst them, and indeed between 1860 (and perhaps
earlier) and 1883, many tribes in various portions of
THE LYND RIVER.
401
Australia are known to have suffered severely from this
disease. The following are names of individuals of the tribe :
Men: Boango, Milgarday, and Jerubo. Women: Olono-
thanga, Wyoola, and Thaloogi. The males, in exchange for
their daughters and sisters, obtain as wives the girls of other
tribes, some of whom are said to become mothers so early as
eleven years of age. Their children, as in all other cases in
Australia, belong to the tribe of the father. Bronchitis is
said to be the disease most prevalent. This people ornament
themselves with scars and knock out two front teeth, but
neither circumcise nor pierce the septum of the nose.
Neither pitcheree nor any other narcotic is known amongst
them. Fish are taken with hooks, spears, and nets.
Elaborate ceremonies are in use on the occasion of young
males being accorded the privileges of men. The tribes
whose lands bound those of the Queeariburra are the
Morruburra, Ulagona, and Warrialgona.
The attached vocabulary is a very imperfect one, and
evidently hardly to be relied on. It will be noticed, however,
by readers acquainted with the Eidley's Kamilaroi that the
Queeariburra is the most northerly tribe, so far as known, by
which Murri is used as the equivalent of the Blacks or a
Blackfellow.
No. 112.— LYND RIVER.
Kangaroo -
Opossum ■
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Crow
Track of a foot
Fly - -
The Blacks -
A Blackf ellow
A Black woman
One -
Two -
A young man
An old man
VOL. II.
avarinowo.
An old woman
- ray-molinga.
moUuUo.
A baby
- mooloo-mooloo
podgoro.
A White man
- jorujaragee.
goro.
Teeth -
- marra-marra.
karaja.
Tomahawk -
- manyi-gogee.
bichqu.
Fire -
- booandara.
nyun-nyun.
murri.
Yes -
- yanga (g soft).
mall.
No -
- numbea.
molinga.
Hungry
- koi-il-lana.
nyana.
Where are
the yungoe murri ?
noyuona.
Blacks ?
jolaja.
I don't know
- nyan-nyan.
jolajengaray.
Dead -
- wongi.
2C
402 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 113.— GRANITE RANGE, CLOSE TO THE HEAD
OF THE MITCHELL RIVER AND EAST OF THE
HODGKINSON GOLDFIELDS.
By H. M. Mowbray, Esq.
This account of the tribe wMcli inliabits the granite range,
close to the head of the Mitchell River, as well as the accom-
panying vocabulary, I owe to the kindness of H. M. Mowbray,
Esq., Goldfields Commissioner on the Hodgkinson diggings,
whose residence in the locality dates from 1874, about six
years back from the time I write.
The name of the tribe is not known to my informant.
He describes it as having been numerous, but now much
reduced by its frequent encounters with the Native Police and
the settlers, as well as by diseases introduced by the Whites.
Individuals of this tribe live to be very old, and Mr. Mow-
bray mentions one whose hair has grown quite white, and
who is blind from age, and seems, as far as he can judge, to
be 80 or perhaps 90 years of age. They wear no clothing of
any sort, but when the nights are cold cover themselves with
bark of the ti-tree, and sleep surrounded by little fires. But
though they go naked, they adorn themselves with feathers
in the hair, diamond-shaped pieces of crystallized quartz
round the neck, and necklaces of cockle-shells. They also
smear the skin with a mixture of grease and ruddle, especially
when the March flies are troublesome, and with pipe-clay
and white ashes when dancing the corroboree. The women
have a variety of bags, made of grass, bark, or reeds, and the
men a sort of bag-net, constructed without knots. They have
also tomahawks of ground stone, with double cane handles ;
spears, some of iron-tree and others of reeds or grass-tree,
tipped with that wood ; also wooden swords between three
and four feet in length; boomerangs which return when
thrown ; and wommeras or throwing-sticks. Their weapons
are sometimes elaborately carved, inlaid with shells, and
GRANITE RANGE, HEAD OP MITCHELL RIVER. 403
polished with wild fig-tree leaves. For knives they have,
as usual, sharp pieces of quartz. Their food in great measure
consists of yams, fruits, nuts, kangaroo, eggs, fish, &c. They
cook on the coals, and also in ovens of a temporary nature,
using heated stones, and covering them and the food with
bark of the ti-tree, and afterwards with earth in the orthodox
way. Boys and women are forbidden to eat certain sorts of
food. After a death in the tribe, women must abstain from
meat for several months, when the young men are specially
enjoined not to make them presents of game. No marks
of small-pox have been noticed.
The pecuharity of this tribe — for most tribes have some
peculiarity — is the extent to which they carry cannibalism.
Mr. Mowbray informs me that he has found them roasting
and eating their own children. Prior to the coming of the
Whites, children were killed for the most trivial offences,
such as for accidentally breaking a weapon as they trotted
about the camp. Marriages are made either within or with-
out the tribe, but not between near relatives. The men are
allowed to marry at about twenty, and the females have
husbands forced on them when mere children. Some of the
men have as many as three wives, usually obtained in
exchange for female relatives. The principal diseases are
syphilitic, even the children having what is described as
rottenness of the groin. These, there is no doubt, originated
with the Whites. Fever also occurs, and is treated by bleed-
ing the head. This tribe scar both sexes on the chest and
stomach. They do not circumcise. When the males are
made young men — which occurs at about twenty years of
age — the right upper tooth is knocked out, the septum of the
nose is pierced, and a bit of reed worn through it. The usual
superstition about rain-making exists, for perhaps every tribe
has a conjuror, one of whose accomplishments is making rain
by incantation.
Rude drawings of men, kangaroo, moons, and other
things are executed with red ochre, but there are no drawings
of women.
2 C 2
404
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
Some of tlie dead are buried, and others eaten, and their
bones wrapped in ti-tree bark, and tied up with, twine. Over
these they often sing in a mournful manner, weeping and
fasting. To denote mourning the women wear twine, wound
over one shoulder and under the other. Their wars generally
originate in thefts of females, the assailants sneaking on their
foes and spearing them whilst asleep. Eelatives kiss each
other after a long absence.
It is noticeable that in the Additional Words we have
word wappoon signifying lagoon, and that Wappoon is the
native name of the River Loddon in Victoria. "To dive"
in the Additional Words is rendered molla, which, in the
Bangerang language, means water.
This language is evidently near akin to, but not identical
with, that at the head of the Walsh River. One or two
words, amongst others the equivalent of man, which is a
most important word for establishing the affinity or otherwise
of tribes, show that this language is also related to that of
the Endeavour River. The negative kurree appears also
with little change on the Diamantina and elsewhere.
No. 113. — ^Additional Words.
Hard -
- dundee.
Carpet snake
- kunyaka.
Soft -
- kimma.
Lagoon
- wappoon.
Sore -
- patchy.
Shade -
- wapoor.
Close -
- burry.
Kiss -
- poimpee.
Unole -
- kuUgna.
Cry -
- paltoonee.
Grandmother
- kununee
Laugh -
- munka.
(ngummee ?).
C^mb-
- wantiudy.
Grandfather
- ngutchee.
Ti-tree bark
- wukka.
Cousin
- warree.
Dilly-bag -
- wanohoo.
Wild geese -
- wooppa.
Horse -
- diarree.
Stand up -
- tanninnee.
Tail -
- pitchee.
Native hut -
■ ki-yimba.
Louse -
- kallee.
Corroboree -
- ooloomoonka.
Club -
- doori.
Fight -
- koolee.
Wooden sword
- wucki.
Oven -
- koorma.
Fish spear -
- yirrimba.
Bread -
- woolta.
Sick -
- kucka.
Ring-tailed
pittoon.
White -
^ keroo.
opossum
Black -
- tarkoo.
GRANITE EANGE, HEAD OF MITCHELL RIVER. 405
No. 113. — Additional Words — continued.
Roan -
Urine -
Dig -
Cover up -
Take it up -
Throat
Crooked
Blend -
Running stream ■
River -
Plain -
Flat country
Rainbow
Dust -
Understand (see
Ear)
Stupid
Make a fire -
Honey
Bees' nest -
Small bee -
Large bee -
Bees' wax -
tiintun.
kuppee.
puokelmi.
nuntelmi.
wanty-chalmi.
mannoo.
rurrunjerree.
mee-i moppun.
tooan.
warrippa.
wallingar.
boUo.
pampo.
tappoo.
jerpo.
binna.
binna pooyan.
corny watchoo.
dilka.
calimpa,
wurran.
tuppoo.
koopun doori.
Cypress pine
Swim -
Dive -
Scrub turkey
Mourning twine
worn by women
Bark wrapped
round the bones
of the dead
Vessel to dip
water
Grass-tree stick
for making fire
by friction
Stinging-tree
Sting or burn
Morning
Evening
Crush -
Sweat -
Ironbark-tree
Box-tree
Ironwood-tree -
Smell (see Sweet)
kulpur-woor.
yungoomy.
woUa.
dooau.
murrunkee.
wuloan.
tupa-tupa.
burn.
millee.
watcheeohee.
nurkuppa.
eli.
tootahni.
jilloo.
roorikan.
derree.
wukkoor.
jilla.
Food.
Large yam which tastes like quinine
when cooked
Fig-tree, with figs on stem -
Small fig-tree
Two kinds of lily roots growing in
fresh-water lagoons
Yam like arrowroot - - - -
Yam tasting like tobacco -
Yam plentiful in wet seasons and
purgative
Nuts crushed and made into bread -
Names of Men.
Kinyoo.
Hogabia,
Tallo.
Imbermo.
Waggerinya.
Derkoo.
Wucka.
hooki.
ngooli.
chattamall.
narroobukkan and tellchur,
koonjingna,
poondi.
pullcha.
wurrumbil.
Names of Women.
CheraboUoo.
Turrauttaka.
Yurmunday.
Porprnda.
Tattaburry.
Pankurmilmutchy.
Wooraptchin.
406
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 113.— GRANITE RANGE, HEAD OF MITCHELL RIVEE.
By H. M. Mowbbat, Esq.
Kangaroo -
- rninya.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum -
- yowwa.
2 Blacks -
- pumma mumurra
Tame dog -
- kia.
3 Blacks -
- pumma kartu.
Wild dog -
-
Emu -
- panyan.
One -
- nupun.
Black duck -
- nilli-nilli.
Two -
- mumurra.
Wood duck-
-
Three -
■ kartu.
Pelican
- tilture.
Four -
- wappilly.
Laughing jackass wakooka.
Father
- nunchun.
Native companion -worrumbul.
White cockatoo - ki-eecha.
Mother
- amoo.
Crow -
- watcha.
Sister-Elder
- pappa.
Swan -
-
„ Younger
- pappa.
Egg - -
- derinya.
Brother-Elder
- yuppa.
Track of a foot
- booree.
„ Younger yuppa.
Fish -
- kooyu.
Lobster
.
A young man
- jirrai.
Crayfish
- mucheecan.
An old man
- binga.
Mosquito -
- puncha.
An old woman
- borra.
Fly - ■ -
- burra-burra.
A baby
- jampeer.
Snake -
- yarram.
A White man
- beeroo-beeroo.
The Blacks -
- pumma.
Children -
A Blackfellow
- pumma.
A Black woman kunjee ; (middle
Head -
- dungoo.
(young)
aged) talpo.
Eye -
- mee-i.
Nose -
- koowoo.
Ear -
- binna.
GRANITE RANGE, HEAD OF MITCHELL RIVER.
407
No. 113.—
jRANTTE Range, He ad oe Mitchell River — continued.
Mouth
- jowa or jiwa.
Boomerang -
- wangee.
Teeth -
-
Hill -
- yilimbo.
Hair of the head- moonka.
Wood-
- toko.
Beard -
- walla.
Stone -
- chunker.
Thunder -
-
Grass -
- bookan.
Gamp -
- yampa.
Tongue
- nappil.
Yes -
- yae.
Stomach
- juppa.
No -
- kurree.
Breasts
- pippee.
I
- niyoo.
Thigh -
- tatta.
You -
- yunto.
Foot -
- jinna.
Bark -
- woolunga.
Bone -
- durree.
Good -
- minnee.
Blood -
- kerkun.
Bad -
- nooyan.
Skin - -
- yulpan.
Sweet -
- minnee.
Fat -
- toopun.
Food -
_
Bowels
- burroo.
Hungry
- wonki.
Excrement -
- tatta.
War-spear -
- kulka.
Thirsty
- wawoo.
Eat -
- nookununee.
Reed-spear -
- pappoor.
Wommera or
takowanchaleni,
Sleep -
- wooni.
throwing-stick
murkoo.
Drink -
- wookummee.
Shield- -
- kunjurin.
Walk-
- dunganee.
Tomahawk -
- wyambi.
See -
- nacheechee.
Canoe -
-
Sit -
- poondandee.
Sun -
- unga.
Yesterday -
- yeUa jerpojerpa.
Moon -
- reetchur.
To-day
- nike.
Star -
- kooroopitche.
To-morrow -
- jerpojerpa.
Light -
- ulnoor.
Where are
the werjimpapumma?
Dark -
- peetohur.
Blacks ?
Cold - -
- wakuree.
I don't know
- wanchum karilla.
Heat -
- ulpin.
Day -
- imgaranga.
Plenty
- wapilly.
Night - -
- peetchur.
Big - -
- muchan.
Fire -
- humee or oomj.
Little -
- poopi.
Water
- patna.
Dead -
- oolin.
Smoke
- koopoo.
By-and-by -
- tumma.
Ground
- borra.
Come on
- kutta.
Wind-
- koomge.
Milk -
- parumba.
Rain -
- patna.
Eaglehawk -
- yellingar.
God - -
-
Wild turkey
- nunda.
Ghosts
-
Wife -
- munya.
408 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 114.— NEAE THE HEAD OF THE WALSH
RIVER.
By John Athbrton, Esq.
The following particulars concerning a tribe located near the
head of the Walsh River, in the Cook District of Queens-
land, as also the attached vocabulary, which resembles a
good deal that of the Gilbert, I owe to the kindness of Mr.
John Atherton.
The country of this tribe, Mr. Atherton informs me, was
occupied as a squatting station in 1876, and the attacks
made by the Blacks on the stock led to a considerable
slaughter of the original possessors of the soil. This tribe
wear no clothes. Some amongst them seem to have reached
the age of 70 or 80 years. They have small bags made of
cane, and others of strong grass. Their tomahawks are
ground, and have handles of cane wrapped round them, and
secured in the usual way. The boomerang is not in use,
but long wooden swords, wommeras, and shields are, and
are nicely painted. For cutting, they use pieces of quartz.
Kangaroo are speared, and taken in pits. When pushed for
food, the people resort to cannibalism. Polygamy is in
vogue, and marriages occur both within and without the
tribe. The females have children, it is thought, as early as
twelve years of age. Infanticide has always been practised
in the tribe. They scar the skin, and pierce the septum of
the nose. Their dead are sometimes burnt, and sometimes
NEAR THE HEAD OF THE WALSH RIVER. 409
buried; but it is common in this and in several other tribes
on the Mitchell and Palmer to carry about the bones of the
dead for some months, wrapped up in ti-tree bark. • This
people sometimes kiss when saluting, and make rude
paintings, whether on sheets of bark or on slabs of stone
Mr. Atherton does not say.
410
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 114.— NEAR THE HEAD OP THE WALSH RIVER.
By John Atheeton, Esq.
Kangaroo -
yuree.
Hand -
- muUa.
Opossum -
kuthera.
2 Blacks -
.
Tame dog -
3 Blacks -
.
Wild dog -
oundoo.
One -
- werrba.
Emu -
cubbaree.
Black duck -
coobaree.
Two -
- boolerry.
Wood duck -
Three -
- koorberra.
Pelican
kuuumbirra.
Four -
- moorka.
Laughing j aokass
karooburra.
Father
- kiana.
Native companion
kooloora.
Mother
- yabama.
White cockatoo ■
kiambuUa.
Sister-Elder
- yabooroo.
Crow - - -
Swan - - -
wut-thagun.
„ Younger
- ngiey.
Egg - • -
goo-gooje.
Brother-Elder
- moogina.
Track of a foot -
dinna.
„ Young(
3r burrgnun.
Fish -
kooyoo.
A young man
- murrgurra
Lobster
An old man
- birmga.
Crayfish
An old woman
- tumby.
Mosquito -
Ely -
thallow (?).
moonool.
A baby
- ngunga.
Snake
thumble.
A White man
- migooloo.
The Blacks -
moorka.
Children -
-
A Blaokfellow -
bamma.
Head -
- kut-thul.
A Black woman -
wurrgnoo.
Eye -
- diUy.
Nose - - -
kootha.
Bar -
- munga.
NEAR THE HEAD OF THE WALSH RIVER.
411
No. 114. — Near the Head of the Walsh Rivee — continued.
Mouth -
- thowa.
Boomerang -
- wungul.
Teeth -
- leera.
Hill -
burry.
Hair of the heac
- moora.
Wood -
thoola.
Beard -
- thulba.
Stone -
burry.
Thunder
- cheekooroo.
Grass -
Tongue
Stomach
- yakoo.
- thuUung.
- boongirr.
Camp -
Yes -
No -
yumbunga.
yo-i.
kurra.
Breasts
- ngammoon.
I
■ ngia, ngoongool.
Thigh -
- yuTigurra.
You -
inda.
Foot -
- dinna.
Bark -
bulgun.
Bone -
- balbun.
Good -
- thurreburra.
Blood -
- kooma.
Bad -
wurgoo.
Skin - -
- thilly.
Sweet -
- bunga.
Fat -
- thummy.
Food -
Bowels
- thoothoor.
Hungry
kooyee.
Excrement -
- goona.
Thirsty
oora.
War-spear -
- kulka.
Eat -
oothalgoo.
Reed-spear -
Sleep -
ooka.
Wommera or
oomboon.
Drink -
oothalgo (same
throwing-stick
as to eat).
Shield- -
- pickin.
Walk -
yanuinga.
Tomahawk -
- yappa.
See -
nguka.
Canoe -
-
Sit
nginna.
Sun -
- kurry.
Yesterday -
- oorrgooloo.
Moon -
- buUauoo.
To-day
- ngilla.
Star -
- boorrgunga.
To-morrow -
- goondamoo.
Light -
- ngunda.
Where are the
wia bamma ?
Dark -
■ goonda.
Blacks ?
Cold -
- kittoor.
I don't know
- kurra ngia
Heat -
- bangiue.
ngugga.
Day -
- ngilla.
Plenty
- moorga.
Night -
- goondunga.
Big - -
■ moongarroo.
Fire ■
- birree.
Little -
■ wobbooroo.
Water -
- komoo, kamoo.
Dead -
oolunga.
Smoke -
- thooka, chooka.
By-and-by -
Ground
- nurmy.
Come on
nguUy ytmnagoo
Wind -
- yookun.
Milk -
ngammoon.
Rain -
komoo.
Eaglehawk -
God - .
- goen.
Wild turkey
goonoomuUy.
Ghosts
goen.
Wife
boor-bai-ey.
412
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 115. — COUNTRY ABOUT THORNBOROUGH
DIGGINGS, AND NEAR THE HEAD OP
THE MITCHELL.
By 0. W. HoDGKiNSON, Esq., Goldfields Warden.
The following vocabulary, kindly forwarded to me by Mr,
0. W. Hodgkinson, has several points of interest. It
contains the sounds of the letters v, g, and ch; its equivalent
for Blackfellow is found in the neighbourhood of Peake
Downs, and those oi foot, milk, war-spear, no, and m/e, but
little altered, in various parts of the Australian continent.
No. 115.— COUNTRY ABOUT THORNBOROUGH DIGGINGS, ETC.
By 0. W. Hodgkinson, Esq.
Kangaroo -
- nombo-voramook.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum -
- yowa.
2 Blacks -
.
Tame dog -
- kaya.
3 Blacks -
_
Wild dog -
- the same.
One -
- noobttn.
Emu -
- punjun.
Two -
- churnbooloo.
Black duck -
Wood duck-
- nyelli-nyelli.
Three -
- kootohoo.
Pelican
- cherra.
Four -
- chungortoha
Laughing jackass wako-ga.
Father
- ungttn.
Native companion koorchal.
Mother :
- namo.
White cockatoo
- keama.
Sister-Elder
- kummega.
Crow
- wichtlka.
,, Younger
- parbiirra.
Swan
-
Brother-Elder
- yabbttr.
Egg
Track of a foot
- unga.
- chlnna.
„ Younger yabooga.
Fish - -
- kumma.
A young man
- wooaitom
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
- cheewagga.
- tingee.
An old man
An old woman
pamgoo.
- peengtigS.
- kumba.
Fly -
- kumma.
A baby
- poorpa.
Snake -
- kope.
A White man
- muUoo (?).
The Blacks -
- natchin
Children
- namwalka.
A Blackfellow
- pamma.
Head -
- tungo.
A Black woman
- moolimooli.
Eye -
- mirra.
Nose -
- wimo.
Ear -
- pinna.
COUNTRY ABOUT THORNBOROUGH DIGGINGS. 413
No. 115.— Con
NTBT ABOUT Thobnborofgh Digoinos, 1.10.— Continued
Mouth
- chunna.
Boomerang -
- wongiil.
Teeth -
- tirra.
Hill -
- yoombS.
Hair of the head mOnga. 1
Wood (or tree)
- chookoo.
Beard -
- ilnga.
Stone -
- koorchi.
Thunder -
- yerrarrg.
Camp -
- yambra.
Grass -
- niimba.
Yes -
- yoo-ai.
Tongue
- nyabbil.
No -
- kurri.
Stomach
- choorpoo.
Breasts
- toomoo.
I
- najya.
Thigh
- peepa.
You -
- yilndoo.
Foot -
- chmna.
Bark -
- yoorlbiln,
Bone -
- yelka.
oongfll.
Blood -
- kowli.
Good - -
- minni.
Skin -
- purra.
Bad - -
- warra.
Fat -
- koormoo.
Sweet -
- karka,
Bowels
- kukktoi.
purra, wurri.
Excrement -
- tatchS.
Food -
- mai-I.
War-spear -
- kulka.
Hungry
- willingiirra.
Reed-spear -
- ntimbra.
Thirsty
- Wowoolim.
Wommera -
- poomum.
Eat -
- durngd.
Shield
- koolmiirri.
Sleep -
- woomba.
Tomahawk -
- kongul.
Drink -
- cherbSe.
Canoe
-
Walk -
- yuuda, toornga
Sun -
- woongga.
See -
- natchiUa.
Moon -
- geetcha.
Sit -
- tatcha.
Star -
- moorta.
Yesterday -
- naatago.
Light -
- tiUngrri.
To-day
- kneeko.
Dark -
- peechurtm.
To-morrow -
- woomgun.
Cold - -
- wokkfirri.
Where are the yurriinga
Heat -
- woongalli.
Blacks?
natchin ?
Day -
- oongtln,
I don't know
- cherkundi.
woongooin.
Plenty
- chungori.
Night
- peechurtm.
Big -
- poolmaburra.
Fire -
- woondoo.
Little -
- poopaiaba.
Water
- kokS.
Dead -
- ola.
Smoke
- kopo.
By-and-by
-
Ground
- poorra.
Come on -
- karta.
Wind-
- quingal.
Milk -
- pepi.
Rain -
- narrl.
Eaglehawk
- yamgtil.
God - -
-
Wild turkey
- tewan.
Ghosts
Wife - -
- munyurre.
414
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 116.— GEAOTTE EANGE, AT THE HEAD OF
THE WALSH EIVBE.
By R. R. Davidson, Esq.
This vocabulary differs but little from No. 113. The equiva-
lents of Blackfellow show that the two vocabularies belong
to separate tribes. The equivalent of canoe is imuch the
same as in the Endeavour Eiver language.
No. 116.— GRANITE RANGE, HEAD OP WALSH RIVER.
By R. R. Davidson, Esq.
Kangaroo -
chunebudno.
Hand -
murra.
Opossum
2 Blacks -
Tame dog -
gya-
. 3 Blacks -
Wild dog -
One -
nuboon.
Emu -
koorangee.
Black duck -
Two -
mummera.
Wood duck-
Three -
koortoo.
Pelican
Four -
tangoor.
Laughing jackass
warcooga.
Father
Native companior
I
Mother
White cockatoo -
Crow -
Sister-Elder
Swan -
„ Younger
Egg - - -
Brother-Elder
Track of a foot -
„ Youngei
Fish -
kooyoo.
Lobster
A young man
Crayfish
An old man
Mosquito -
boonger or bun-
An old woman
ger.
A baby
Fly - - -
burra-burra.
A White man
Snake -
Children -
The Blacks -
A Blackfellow -
girreh.
Head -
tungoo.
A Black woman -
talpoo.
Eye -
mirriaworker
Nose -
go.
Ear -
bidna.
GRANITE RANGE, HEAD OF "WALSH RIVER.
415
No. 116. — Geanite Range, head of Walsh Rivek — continued.
Mouth
Boomerang -
- wungie.
Teeth -
dirra.
HUl -
Hair of the head
moongur.
Wood -
- batohu.
Beard -
Thunder -
woorumpar-
Stone -
- junga.
bidna.
Camp -
-
Grass -
marpoor, bookan.
Yes -
-
Tongue
nabbie.
No -
Stomach
I
Breasts
You -
Thigh -
Bark -
Foot -
chidner.
Good -
- minnie.
Bone -
Blood -
- kerkoon.
Bad -
- boyoon.
Skin - -
Sweet -
-
Fat -
Food -
-
Bowels
Hungry
Excrement -
Thirsty
-
War-spear ■
Eat -
- junkie.
Reed-spear -
Sleep -
- woodna.
Wommera or
Drink -
thro wing-stick
Walk -
.
Shield -
-
See -
Tomahawk -
Sit
Canoe -
- murregan.
Sun -
- woogna.
Yesterday -
-
Moon -
-
To-day
Star -
.
To-morrow -
-
Light -
Where are
the
Dark -
Blacks?
Cold -
I don't know
Heat -
-
Plenty
- wabulli.
Day -
Big -
Night -
Fire -
Little -
- poopuUangan
"
Dead -
- woodna.
Water
- bunna.
Smoke
By-and-by -
Ground
.
Come on
-
Wind - ■ -
_
Milk -
-
Rain -
-
Eaglehawk -
-
God .
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
- bero.
Wife -
416
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 116. — Additional Words.
Heel -
chugar.
Talking
- yalle kunaker
Sole of foot -
- doombur.
To sing
- koko.
Toe -
- karkoo.
Fowl -
- moorka.
Throat
ooroongooden.
Kiss -
- tapoombi.
- kulka.
Wings (see hand)
- murra.
Hill -
Ants -
Girl -
jinga-jinga.
murker.
Knife -
- mukkii.
Hailstone -
karparangoor.
Moustache -
- nurume.
Leaf -
pera.
Finger-nails
- millgroo.
River -
jaloon.
Naked
- gittar.
To speak -
kulker.
To cry
- bunbuddi.
No. 117.— HKAT) OF GILBERT RIVER.
By Edward Cure, Esq.
Kangaroo -
uree.
Hand -
mulla.
Opossum
kuttara.
2 Blacks -
noong gooi.
Tame dog -
uUimboo.
3 Blacks -
Wild dog -
Emu -
kubberi.
One -
noong.
Black duck -
coobbari.
Two -
bnllaroo.
Wood duck-
Three -
Pelican
kunnul.
Four -
Laughing jackass poolemba.
Father
kaia.
Native companion
Mother
yebunneboo.
White cockatoo -
Crow -
waduggan.
Sister-Elder
purrinul.
Swan -
,, Younger
Egg - - -
woobnurra.
Brother-Elder -
koornigul.
Track of a foot ■
yelga.
„ Younger
Fish -
kooyoo.
A young man
kulyina.
Lobster
An old man
Crayfish
An old woman
Mosquito -
Fly -
kooingarr.
A baby
baloona.
Snake -
d'thumbul.
A White man
The Blacks ■
gooi.
Children
A Blackf ellow -
Head -
A Black woman -
warrungoo.
Eye -
diUi.
Nose -
kooda.
Ear -
munga.
HEAD OP GILBERT RIVER.
417
No. 117. — Head of Gilbebt RrrEB.— continued.
Mouth
d'thulli.
Boomerang -
Teeth -
- kira.
Hill -
Hair of the head
■ koonaroo.
Wood - - - kaibool
Beard -
d'thulba.
Stone - - - purri.
Thunder -
Grass -
mooroonggooloo.
yagoo.
Camp - - - yamba.
Yes -
Tongue
d'thuUi.
No - - -
Stomach
I - -
You -
Bark - - - kooka.
Breasts
Thigh -
Foot -
turra.
tinna.
Bone -
- moogoo.
Good -
Blood -
- kineba.
Bad -
Skin - -
thingoo.
Sweet- - - koorja.
Fat -
Pood -
Bowels
Hungry
Excrement -
Thirsty
War-spear -
- bungi.
Eat -
Reed-spear -
Sleep -
Wommera or
Drink -
throwLQg-stick
Walk -
Shield
Tomahawk -
Canoe -
Sun -
Moon ■
- koobnarri.
- kurri.
- buUanoo.
See -
Sit - - -
Yesterday -
To-day
Star -
- ugilla.
To-morrow -
Light -
- kurbella.
Where are the
Dark -
- koonda.
Blacks ?
Cold -
- kiddoo.
I don't know
Heat -
-
Plenty
Day ■
-
Big -
Night ■ -
-
Little -
Fire -
- kaibool.
Dead -
Water
Smoke
Ground
Wind- -
Rain -
- kummoo.
- d'thunboobaroo.
- uanni.
- gowri.
- kummoo.
By-and-by -
Come on
Milt -
Baglehawk -
God - -
.
Wild turkey
Ghosts
Wife -
VOL. n.
i
D
418 , THE AUSTRALIAN RACE :
No. 118.— HINOHINBROOK ISLAND AND THE
MAINLAND ADJACENT.
By M. Aemstrong, Esq., Inspector of Police, and John Mukrat, Esq,
Of the tribe which occupies Hinchinbrook Island and the
mainland adjacent I have received two fragmentary accounts.
One is from Mr. M. Armstrong, Inspector of Police, who
informs me that the country of the tribe was first occupied by
the Whites in 1863 or thereabouts. The tribe wore no clothes
in their original state, but those who are now (in 1880) allowed
to come to Cardwell do so. They use for ornaments neck-
laces made of red berries, and the men smear the person
with grease, red ochre, and pipe-clay when preparing to fight.
They have bags made of cane, tomahawks ground smooth,
and boomerangs which return when thrown. Their spears
are carved, which is unusual, and thrown with the wommera
or throwing-stick. Cannibalism used to be practised
amongst them, and they have been known to eat White
men. They scar the skin, the males on the back, and the
females on the shoulders and arms. Their canoes are of
bark, sewn and bound with cane and fibres of bark. Fish is
caught with nets and with hooks made of bone. The people
of the tribe signalize each other by columns of smoke sent
up through hollow logs.
My other correspondent,, Mr. John Murray, informs me
that the tribe is divided into four classes like that of Wide
Bay, which he contrasts in this way: —
Wide Bat Classes. Hinchinbrook Island Classes.
Trawyne. Koorkeela.
Buudu. KookooroQ.
Barrang. Woongo.
Balgoin. Wooitoheroo.
HmCHINBROOK ISLAND, ETC.
419
These names of tlie Hinchinbrook classes have much in
common with those of Port Mackay. Mai = Blackfellom
is also found on the Lynd.
The following Vocabulary and Additional Words were
contributed by Mr. Murray : —
Additional Woeds.
Ship-
- woorbi.
Wooden sword
- bakkaroo.
Bucket
- noopa.
Necklace -
- angyerri.
Bag - -
- kakkirra.
Horse
- thiarri.
Pigeon -
- woorgoodjo.
Bullock
- toomoorberoo
Scrub turkey
- koorgerri.
Blanket, also
kumbi.
Club -
• koolungoo.
clothes
Z D 2
420
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 118.— HINCHINBROOK ISLAND.
By John Murray, Esq.
Kangaroo -
burgun.
Hand -
- munndai.
Opossum
meetin.
2 Blacks -
- yekkamal.
Tame dog -
wooyou.
3 Blacks -
- kurrboo mal.
Wild dog -
Emu -
koondooloo.
One -
- yoongool.
Black duck -
cooberie.
Two -
- yekka.
Wood duck -
Three -
- kurrboo.
Pelican
wookoolooloo.
Four -
- tukkin.
Laughing jackass
koorallan.
Father
- tonga.
Native companion
terroi.
White cockatoo
kiambala.
Mother
- yappo.
Crow -
wagun.
Sister-Elder
- tunde.
Swan -
woolboo.
„ Younger
-
Egg -
bamboo.
Brother-Elder
- telamboo.
Track of a foot
pinghun.
,, Younger
Fish -
- taboo.
A young man
- kooki.
Lobster
- yeekerra.
An old man
- keeline.
Crayfish
- mouwa.
An old woman
- weeke-weeke
Mosquito -
- quoy-quoy.
Ply . .
- mabuU.
A baby
- yeppe.
Snake
- winjai.
A White man
- kooin.
The Blacks -
- mal.
Children -
- yeppe-yeppe.
A Blackfellow
- mal.
Head -
- booyoo.
A Black woman
- tumpe-tumpe.
Eye -
- kuyka.
Nose -
- wooroo.
Ear -
- beena.
HINCHINBROOK ISLAND, ETC.
421
No. 118. — HiNCHiNBKOOK ISLAND — Continued.
Mouth
- unda.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- yeera.
Hill -
-
Hair of the head
- karran.
Wood -
- wambooy.
Beard -
- tuUba.
Stone -
- barrie.
Thunder -
- tchickaroo.
Camp -
- meetcha.
Grass -
- bunboo.
Yes -
- nghee.
Tongue
- talline.
No ■
- mya.
Stomach
- kooUto.
I
- ipa.
Breasts
- ngamoon.
You -
- eenda.
Thigh
- wucka.
Bark -
- kooka.
Foot -
Bone ■
Blood -
Skin - -
Fat -
- pinguin.
- toolkill.
- koorai.
- yoonga.
- tumme.
Good -
Bad -
Sweet -
Food -
- muUee.
- weakee.
- toongoo.
- mootcha.
Bowels
- woomba.
Hungry
• umeree.
Excrement -
- goonang.
Thirsty
- coorungooi.
War-apear -
- kulgie.
Eat -
- eenda mootcha
B«ed-spear -
- tohip-pLa-kulgie.
(you eat).
Wommera or
yoolmun.
Sleep -
- boongai.
throwingstiok
Drink -
- yungna or
Shield- -
- peekinn.
tunghna.
Tomahawk -
- kawearie.
Walk -
- woongha.
Canoe -
- woolgo.
See
- oonda.
Sun -
- weeyee.
Sit -
- tcheega.
Moon -
■ nillghun.
Yesterday -
- kulmarra.
Star -
- yeargilingera.
To-day
- cunyou.
Light ■
- yungarie.
To-morrow -
- tetillgo.
Dark -
- nghoona.
Where are
the wingia mal ?
Cold - -
- kibool.
Blacks ?
Heat -
- kelanghie.
I don't know
- beei wingia.
Day -
-
Plenty
- duckin.
Night -
- woonanghu.
Big - -
- woorbie.
Fire -
- wambooi.
Little -
- toMppin.
Water
- kummoo.
Dead -
- wooli.
Smoke
- boonoong.
By-and-by -
- maumoo.
Ground
- kiee.
Come on
- kaau.
Wind-
- ghimboolanie.
Milk -
-
Eain ■
- yookun.
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
-
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
.
Wife -
-
422
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE :
No. 119.— HERBERT RIVER.
By William S. Stephen, Esq.
In this vocabulary war-spear
a very common root for strike,
wood.
seems to be derived from booma or hoomga,
There is but one word to express^™ and
Kangaroo -
koobla.
Opossum
mitten.
Tame dog -
whoyyer.
Wild dog -
Emu -
Black duck -
kumboonoo.
Wood duck -
Pelican
Laughing jackass
kowgurra.
Native companion
White cockatoo -
Crow -
wawgun.
Swan - - -
Egg - - -
bumboo.
Track of a foot -
toobna.
Fish -
kooia.
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
koommo.
Ply -
marbul.
Snake - - -
wingee.
The Blacks -
A Blackfellow -
koonga.
A Black woman -
Nose -
wooroo.
Hand -
- mundi.
2 Blacks -
3 Blacks -
One -
- yunegul.
Two -
- yugga.
Three -
- karrbo.
Pour -
Pather
■ tunga.
Mother
- yabboo.
Sister-Elder
- tundi.
,, Younger
Brother-Elder
- googoon.
„ Young
er
A young man
An old man-
- kittun.
An old woman
A baby
- wuUomorgo
A White man
Children
Head ■
- bulgow.
Eye -
- mill.
Ear -
- binna.
HERBERT RIVER.
423
No. 119.— Heebekt River — cmttinued.
Mouth-
■ uuda.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- era.
Hill - -
.
Hair of the head
- chingo.
Wood -
- mmgo.
Beard -
-
Stone -
- barrie.
Thunder -
- koondoono.
Camp -
.
Grass -
- boogun.
Yes -
Tongue
- tallan.
Stomach
- woomba.
No
-
Breasts - ■
- ummoon.
I- - -
-
Thigh -
- wugga.
You -
-
Foot -
- biugum.
Bark -
-
Bone -
- toogil.
Good -
_
Blood -
- kree.
Bad -
_
Skin -
- ynnga.
Fat -
- gearee.
Sweet -
-
Bowels
Pood -
- mootarnee.
Excrement -
-
Hungry
- tungarnee.
War-spear -
- boomabunni.
Thirsty
-
Reed-spear -
Eat -
.
Wommera or
Sleep -
- wittel.
throwing-stick
Drink -
_
Shield -
■ biggU.
Walk -
- oonarnoo.
Tomahawk -
- kowarru.
See -
.
Canoe -
- woolgo.
Sit -
- chegunnee.
Sun -
- wee.
Yesterday -
- kungnoo.
Moon -
- wuggawurri.
To-day
.
Star - -
- boolgaroo.
To-morrow -
- toondargo.
Light -
-
Where are
the
Dark -
-
Blacks ?
,
Cold - -
- kittel.
I don't know
.
Heat -
- towan.
Plenty
- kundul.
Day -
Night -
-
Big - -
- •
Fire -
Water -
- mingo.
- kununoo.
Little -
Dead -
- koo-oo-ga.
- woolli.
Smoke-
- woombul.
By-and-by -
-
Ground
- kaiee.
Come on
- hurra.
Wind-
- kimpaynee.
Milk -
-
Rain -
- hugnn.
Eaglehawk -
-
God - .
-
Wild turkey
Ghosts
-
Wife -
,
424 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 120.— HALIFAX BAY.
Bt James Cassady, Esq., and R. Johnstone, Esq,
Of the tribe which inhabits Halifax Bay and the lower
portion of the Herbert Eiver two accounts have been for-
warded to me, one by Mr. James Cassady and the other by
Mr. R. Johnstone. The first of these gentlemen gives me
the following information.
The Halifax Bay tribe occupies a tract of country
fronting the shore of the bay for about fifty miles, and
extending fifteen miles inland. It is divided into seven sub-
tribes, called Ikelbara, Doolebara, Mungulbara, Mandam-
bara, Karabara, Bungabara, and Yoembara. In 1865, when
the Halifax Bay country was first occupied by the Whites,
the tribe is estimated to have amounted to about 500
persons. The numbers which existed in 1880 are set down
approximately to have been 40 men, 30 boys over ten years,
100 womeii and girls over ten years, and 30 chUdren of
both sexes under ten years ; in all 200 souls. This decrease
my informant attributes to the brutality of the Native
Mounted Police and some of the settlers, who, in the begin-
ning, relentlessly hunted down and shot as many of the
males ©f the tribe as possible. The present excess of
females over males (the common proportion in our tribes
being about three males to one female) bears out this state-
ment.
The Halifax Bay tribe in their wild state wore no clothes.
On occasions of corroboree the men smear themselves with
a mixture of fat and red ochre. Their weapons, save the
boomerang which returns, my informant has not par-
ticularized, but remarks generally that those in use are
carved by means of flints and shells. They have bags made
of grass and baskets of cane. Amongst their articles of
HALIFAX BAY.
425
food are swamp-nuts, fish, and wallabies, which they cook
on the embers, or in temporary ovens of heated stones
covered with earth.
In this locality no signs of the former existence of small-
pox have been noticed. The men object to tell their names.
Restrictions concerning food exist, and some of the yoang
women are forbidden to eat the flesh of male animals and
eels. Marriage occurs both within and without each of the
sub-tribes, and is regulated by classes. Of these there are
four, to one of which each person belongs. The system
works in this way: —
Males. Females.
Korkoro marries Wongarungan,
Wongo „ Korkorungan,
Korkeen „ Woterungan,
Wotero „ Korkeelingan,
Males.
i Wotero
Korkeen
WoBgo
Korkoro
Females.
Woterungan.
Korkeelingan.
Wongerungan.
Korkorungan.
All the neighbouring tribes pursue the same system, and
the classes just given have their acknowledged equivalents
in them. Hence, when a man marries outside of his tribe,
it must be a female whose class corresponds to the one in
his own tribe, into which he is at liberty to marry. Children
are frequently betrothed in infancy. Polygamy is practised,
and men have occasionally as many as four wives. A
widow becomes the wife of a brother of her deceased hus-
band. Lung diseases and fever prevail. Shells are worn as
ornaments. Both males and females have the shoulders and
chest scarred. They also knock out a front tooth of the
upper jaw, pierce the septum of the nose, and wear a bone
through the orifice. The women have a joint of the first
finger amputated, and it is noticeable that the same custom
existed in the Sydney tribe, as well as in some of the
southern portions of Queensland. Circumcision is unknown.
The Halifax Bay tribe believe in a good and bad spirit, and
that their doctors are able to make rain and wind by incan-
tation, and to inflict sickness and death on their enemies.
Message-sticks are in use amongst them. Fish are procured
Uncle -
- kowa.
Aunt -
- bimo.
Cousin
- balgalla.
Up ■
- kaney.
426 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE :
with spears and hooks. Canoes are made of sheets of bark
sewn together, and kangaroo and emu are captured with
nets.
The tribe to the north of the one under consideration is
called Wombelbara, and that to the south Korambelbara.
Mr. Oassady has sent me the following words in addition to
those of the Common Vocabulary: —
Down - - - yeno.
Across - - dindeyara.
Arm - - - mango.
Knee - - - mokko.
It is very remarkable that mero=ivommera, which prevails
so extensively on the west coast, two thousand mUes off, is
also found in this and in the languages of Hinchenbrook
Island and Port Mackay. Does not this lead to . the infer-
ences that this weapon was known to the first comers, or at
all events to their descendants before the race had been very
much spread, and that miro was its original name ?
What Mr. Johnstone has to say concerning the tribes in
this locality is as follows: — About Halifax Bay there are
six bara, or tribes, called ikelbara, Dulenbara, Karrabara,
Yauembara, Mungalbara, and Mandambara. They speak
dialects of one language. Their country was occupied by the
Whites to some extent in 1864, since which period, as the
result of measles, consumption, and drink, the numbers com-
posing the tribes have greatly diminished. My informant
assigns forty years as the duration of life amongst these
people, so far as he is able to judge; but from the short ex-
perience yet had of them, it is perhaps premature to offer
any opinion on the subject. In the day-time the people of
these tribes wore no clothing in their natural state, though
now they put on when about the township such cas1>off
trousers, shirts, &c., as they are able to obtain, but strip at
night and supplement the warmth obtained from their fires
by covering themselves with Melaleuca bark, or with a sort
of blanket manufactured from the bark of the kurrajong
HALIFAX BAY. 427
tree, and also ty smearing themselves with clay. On occasions
of corroborees and fights they paint their skins with red
ochre and pipe-clay, and with charcoal when in mourning.
Besides the bags and nets common throughout the continent,
these tribes have water-bags, which they make of closely-
plaited "lawyer" {Calamus Australis), and also of palm-
leaf sewn with the sinews of animals. They also use fish-
hooks made of tortoise-shell and of mother-of-pearl. Their
weapons are spears, some simply pointed, others barbed, and
others edged with flints ; they have also harpoons, wooden
swords, shields, and clubs. Some of these are carved and
painted; spears are thrown both by hand and with the
wommera. The boomerang is not mentioned. Their imple-
ments are the usual flint knives and stone tomahawks, some
ground and some chipped to an edge. They have also bark
canoes, sewn at each end. For food, besides marsupial game,
they have fish, roots, and fruits of several kinds. From
some of the roots they extract, before they can be eaten,
certain poisonous qualities by more than one ingenious pro-
cess. Of the cannibal practices of these tribes my informant
speaks very decidedly, for he says he has seen them eating
Kanackas, White men, and corpses of their own tribe. He
also notices that they object to tell their names. Polygamy
is in vogue, and the tribes are divided into the following
classes: —
Males. Femalefl.
Korearo. Korearobingan.
Wongo. Wongobingan.
Korkeen. Korkeenbingan.
Wordon. Wordoingan.
These divisions, no doubt, have reference to their system
of marriage, though my informant does not say so. Infanti-
cide was practised before the coming of the Whites. The
diseases now most common are consumption, fever, and
rheumatism. The practices of punching out teeth, piercing
the septum of the nose, and scarring the skin are also in vogue.
Message-sticks, Mr. Johnstone informs me, are in use, the
428
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
marks carved on them, he remarks, " being a guarantee of
the messenger, the same as a ring with ns in former times."
He also remarks that the hair of these Blacks is generally-
curly, but often straight; that they paint representations of
imaginary animals in caves and on rocks, and dispose of their
dead by laying them on platforms, by burying in the
ground, and by eating them. In the vocabularies attached
we find two words which begin with r, and the word wee,
which in some places means j'lre, the equivalent of sun.
No. 120.— HALIFAX BAY.
By J. Cassady, Esq.
Kangaroo -
- bally.
Opossum
- katra.
Tame dog -
- knarbo.
Wild dog -
- gerole.
Emu -
- kondolo.
Black duck -
- te-te.
Wood duck
-
Pelican
- yembor.
Laughing jackas
s kowokara
Native companion korore.
White cockatoo
- gemra.
Crow -
- wagan.
Swan -
-
Egg -
• meto.
Track of a foot
- genua.
Fish -
- knoto.
Lobster
- motoga.
Crayfish
-
Mosquito -
- komo.
Fly -
- koyom.
Snake
-
The Blacks
- tinga.
A Blackfellow
- tinga.
A Black woman
- kolokolo.
Nose -
■■ woro.
Hand -
■■ mandy.
2 Blacks -
- yakka tinga.
3 Blacks -
- cabo tinga.
One -
- yongole.
Two -
- yakka.
Three
- kabo.
Four or more
- yongonda or
kikaborgo.
Father
- baby.
Mother
- kora, yong,
yonga.
Sister-Elder
- murkingun,
boban.
,, Younger
- tantchuan.
Brother-Elder
- murkin, thalnbo
„ Younger tantchuling.
A young man
- nabigaro.
An old man
- kelan.
An old woman
- kellingan.
A baby (male)
- morgo.
,, (female)
- murkey.
A White man
- mecolo.
Children -
- yabingara.
Head -
- wallow.
Eye -
- koro.
Ear -
- binna.
HALIFAX BAY.
4
No. 120.— Halifax 'Sa.y —contmwd.
Mouth
nanda.
Boomerang -
- wongal.
Teeth
- yera.
Hill -
- mongan.
Hair of the head
- molong.
Wood-
- tano.
Beard -
- talba.
Stone -
- balgal.
Thunder -
- oondono.
Camp -
- rongo.
GrasB ■
Tongue
- wota.
- talang.
Yes -
No
- ye.
- bai.
Stomach -
- keppa.
I-
- kmba.
Breasts
- ngamoon.
Thigh- -
- wakka or tharra.
You -
- nino.
Foot -
- genna.
Bark -
- yonga.
Bone -
- tolkul.
Good -
- touoa.
Blood ■
- koma.
Bad -
- wago.
Skin ■ -
- yonga.
Sweet -
- matana.
Fat -
- tanuny.
Food -
.
Bowels
- bara-bara.
Hungry
- ngoami.
Excrement -
War-spear -
- gona.
- kalge.
Thirsty
- walnga.
Reed-spear -
- raba.
Eat -
- dialgo.
Wommera or
mere.
Sleep -
- werail.
throwing-stick
Drink
- bona.
Shield
- pikel.
Walk
- yanya.
Tomahawk -
- bargo.
See -
- nalgalgo.
Canoe -
- wolgo.
Sit -
- nena or nega
Sun - -
- tula.
Yesterday -
- minonga.
Moon -
- balano.
To-day
- ki-kin.
Star -
- karomin.
To-morrow -
- cobara.
Light -
- miera
Where are the
winta tinga?
Dark -
- knowronga.
Blacks ?
Cold -
Heat -
- gerole.
- tow-wong.
I don't know
- knab molgee
kniba.
Day -
Night- -
- miera.
- knowronga.
Plenty
- yongonda.
Fire -
- tano, ka,ndagya.
Big -
- nucoa.
Water
- yakko.
Little -
- tantchu.
Dead -
- boral, wolie
Smoke
- tonone.
Ground
- ki-ie.
By-and-by -
- wolo.
Come on
- ngari.
Wind-
- bundle.
Milk -
- ngamoon.
Rain -
- ukan.
Eaglehawk -
- cory-tella.
God -
- wonga-mally.
Wild turkey
- cabocalla.
Ghosts
- wonga.
Wife -
- gain.
429
430
THE AUSTRALIAN 'RACE ;
No. 120.— HALIFAX BAY.
By R. Johnstone, Esq.
Kangaroo -
borley.
Hand -
mandy.
Opossum
kartra.
2 Blacks
yakka tinga.
Tame dog -
knarboo.
3 Blacks
karboo tinga.
Wild dog -
gerool.
One - ' -
yonggole.
Emu -
kondooloo.
Two -
yakka.
Black duck -
ta-ta.
Three -
karboo.
Wood duck-
Four and any
cicaborgo yon-
Pelican
yeemboo.
number over
gonda.
Laughing jackass
kawookarra.
Father
babai.
Native companion
koorom.
Mother
- kora or yunga
White cockatoo -
Sister-Elder
murkengun.
Crow -
worgan.
„ Younger
teutcheran.
Swan -
Egg - -
Track of a foot
Fiah -
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
meto.
genar.
knoto.
■ motogar.
komo.
Brother-Elder
„ Younger
A young man
An old man-
An old woman
A baby (boy)
- murkin.
- tantcheeling.
- marcara.
- kelang.
- kalangan.
- worloomoogoo
Fly - -
kojom.
„ (girl)
- morkeyen
Snake -
A White man
- mecolo.
The Blacks
Children
- yabingaia.
A Blackfellow
tinga.
Head -
- wallow.
A Black woman
- kolo-kolo.
Eye -
- koro.
Nose - - ,
- woro.
Ear - -
- binna.
HALIFAX BAY.
4S1
Ko. 120— Halifax Bay— continued.
Mouth
- knakna.
Boomerang -
- wangal.
Teeth -
Hair of the head
Beard -
Thunder -
Grass -
- jera.
- molong.
- talba.
- oondono.
- wotar
Hill -
Wood -
Stone -
Camp -
- mongan,
- tano.
- balgal.
- ringo.
Tongue
- tallang.
Yes -
- jea.
Stomach
- kippa.
No -
-
Breasts
- ammun.
I
- kniba.
Thigh- -
Foot -
Bone -
Blood -
- wakka.
- gena.
- tolkeel.
- koma.
You ■
Bark -
Good -
- enba.
- yoonga.
Skin - -
Fat -
- yonga.
- tammy.
Bad ^
Sweet -
- wargo.
Bowels
- bara-bara.
Food -
- *
Excrement •
- goonna.
Hungry
- knamey.
War-spear -
- kalge.
Thirsty
- warlnga.
Efied-spear -
- raba.
Eat ■ -
- diana.
Wommera or
colngo or
Sleep -
- werail or yokey.
thro wing-stick
maroo.
Drink -
- bona.
Shield
Tomahawk ■
Canoe
Sun -
Moon -
Star -
Light - -
- queeary.
• kargoo.
- wolgo.
- potera.
- bartamoo.
- karromen.
Walk -
See -
Sit -
Yesterday -
To-day
To-morrow -
- yan-ya.
- nawiua, nalgala.
- nina, nega.
- nenonga.
- ky-kin.
- cobarra.
Dark - -
- knora.
Where are the wonta tinga ?
Cold - -
- gerole.
Blacks ?
Heat -
- banjera.
I don't know
- narlnoolga kniba
Day -
- miera.
Plenty
- yere.
Night - -
- knoronga.
Big -
- nuca.
Fire - -
- tano, kandanye.
Little -
- tantchee.
Water
■ ya,koo.
Dead -
- boril.
Smoke
■ tonon.
By-and-by -
- wolo.
Ground
- kya.
Come on
- knari.
Wind ■
- bundy-bundy.
Milk -
- nammoon.
Rain -
- ukan
Eaglehawk-
- coretala.
God -
Ghosts
■ wonga.
Wild turkey
Wife -
- cabocala.
- gain.
432 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 121.— THE HEAD-WATERS OF THE BURDEKIN
RIVER.
By W. 0. HoDGKiNSON, Esq., Waedbn of Goldpiblds, Mattown.
The following facts connected witli the Breeaba tribe,
whose country is on one of the head- waters of the Burdekin,
as also the attached vocabulary of their language, were
kindly forwarded to me by Mr. W. 0. Hodgkinson, who
obtained them, as he informs me, from a very intelligent
middle-aged Breeaba woman who lives at Maytown on the
Palmer River.
This tribe have opossum-skin rugs^ which probably they
use only at night. They possess also the wommera and
boomerang. Certain articles of food are forbidden to the
women. It is worthy of notice that this is the most
northern tribe of Eastern Australia which reports the former
existence of small-pox amongst them. It is called chin-chin,
and is said to have proved fatal to many at some recent
period. The woman Wonduri, from whom Mr. Hodgkinson
obtained his information, declares that the tribe decided at
the time of this scourge that any one it attacked should be
killed without delay whilst asleep, and that this plan was
carried out. However, seeing that the disease is not heard
of nearer than 300 miles to the south, no confidence can be
placed in Wonduri's statement that it existed. Prior to the
coming of the Whites, children who died from natural causes
were eaten, not by their parents or brothers, but by their
cousins and other more distant relatives of the male sex.
Their hands and fat were the parts most esteemed, as we
find in other cases. Polygamy prevails in the tribe, and a
widow becomes the wife of the deceased husband's brother.
Twins are occasionally born. One tooth is knocked out at
the age of puberty, and the septum of the nose pierced.
Fish are taken with nets, spears, and hooks ; also by
A TREE ON THE DIAMANTINA RIVER QUEENSLAND
RECORD or A FIGHT WHICH TOOK PLACE IN THE LOCALITY
THE HEAD-WATERS OF BURDBKIN RIVER.
433
poisoning waterholes with, leaves possessing narcotic pro-
perties. Women and old men are buried without ceremony,
hut the remains of able-bodied males are placed on platforms
constructed in the boughs of trees. Message-sticks are in
use. The attached is the sketch of a tree marked by the
tribe to commemorate one of their fights.
Eeferring to the vocabulary, my informant expresses
doubts as to the correctness of his translation of three and
four. The reader will notice the termination hurra in some
of the words which follow. This, I suspect, is the equivalent
hr people, or perhaps many. Chinaman, it will be noticed,
they call Murri, like their own people, whilst they have a
distinct term for White man. Watch is expressed by the
same word as sun, and socks by a term derived from the
equivalent oi foot. The following words as applying to
objects of which the Australian had no knowledge prior to
the advent of the White man are of interest: —
Cat - - - moorboo.
Horse - - - ngooraboongoo.
Cow, bullock - toomooburra.
Calf - - kinquan.
Sheep - - - burra-burra.
AVMte woman - yallaman.
Chinaman - - murri.
Domestic fowls - kookabinya.
Chicken - - wongurra (?).
Watch- - - kurri.
Look out ! he is throwing a spear -
Look out ! he is throwing a boomerang
Whereabouts is water to be found? -
Do you see the road or track ? -
Yes, I see the road - - - .
What track or road ? - - .
I see two kangaroos - - . .
VOL. II,
mun.
tinnago.
bingarro, kampe.
mere,
kunkurre.
- dekurra.
- woogogo.
- toola.
Boot -
Socks -
Gown, coat,
trousers
Bridle -
Knife, also fork
Spoon -
Chair -
Table -
Indi nukka kulka.
You see spear.
Indi nukka (or indi kooti) wongul.
You see (you see) boomerang.
■ Wunta kamo?
Where water?
■ Indi nukkuUa tinna ?
You see track ?
- Nia nnkkulla tinna.
I see road.
• Unne tinna ?
What track ?
■ Nya nukka boolaroo kargul.
I see two kangaroos.
Z E
434
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
No. 121.— BURDEKIN RIVER.
Kangaroo -
kargul.
Hand -
- muUa.
Opossum -
tungeroo.
2 Blacks -
-
Tame dog -
moora.
3 Blacks -
-
Wild dog - -
ngurbuUa.
One -
- wirba.
Emu - - -
koondooloo.
Two -
- boollaroo.
Black duck -
koorpooloo.
Three -
- koolbarro.
Wood duck-
birga.
Pelican
billibungerra.
Four -
- koorunga.
Laughing jackass-
towa-towa.
Father
- yaboona.
Native companion
burgum.
Mother
- yungunna.
White cockatoo -
diggoree.
Sister-Elder
- kootanna.
Crow - - .
wotagan.
„ Younger
- wobbooin.
Swan -
Brother-Elder
- kutta.
Egg. -
kookabinya.
„ Young
er warbo.
Track of a foot
- chinna.
A young man
- warbooroo.
Fish -
- kooiyoo.
An old man
- bringubba.
Lobster
An old woman
- murkoorra.
Crayfish
A baby
- kandoo or kum
Mosquito -
mobo.
doo.
Ely -
bralla.
A White man
- mikooloo or ma
Snake -
kobbul, mooda.
koolo.
The Blacks -
murri-murri.
Children -
- kurndoo.
A Blackfellow
Head -
- kirta.
A Black woman ■
wirmo.
Eye -
- tillee.
Nose -
koo.
Ear -
- woUoo.
THE HEAD-WATERS OP BURDEKIN RIVER.
435
No. 121. — BuBDEKiN RiTEK — Continued.
Mouth
- tunga.
Boomerang -
- wongul.
Teeth -
- nulla.
HiU -
- mignrra.
Hair of the head- tinge.
Wood -
- tula.
Beard -
- unga.
Stone -
- purri.
Thunder -
- morrella.
Camp -
- yamba.
Grass -
- yago.
Yes -
- nya (nai-a ?).
Tongue
- tuUi.
No -
- kurra.
Stomach -
- bulloo.
I- -
- nia.
Breasts
- ngumoon.
You -
- yinda or indi.
Thigh -
- durra.
Bark -
- bulkan.
Foot -
- tinna.
Good -
- binbi.
Bone -
- bulbun.
Blood -
- kooma.
Bad -
- kicha.
Skin - -
- yunga.
Sweet -
- munta.
Fat -
- tommi.
Food -
- ugonga.
Bowels
-
Hungry
- quee, kurmoona
Excrement ■
-
Thirsty
- woorgoo toonka.
War-spear -
- kulka.
Eat -
- indi-uka.
Reed-spear -
- tuUa.
Sleep -
- umberra ooka.
Wommera or
boolaroo..
Drink -
- indi-uka.
throwing-stick
Walk-
- yaninga.
Shield- -
- koolmarri.
See -
- nukka, kooti.
Tomahawk
Canoe -
- balgo.
Sit -
- kooree.
Sun - -
- kurri.
Yesterday -
- woorgaloonga.
Moon -
- pallanno.
To-day
- yachiUo.
Star - -
- ugo.
To-morrow -
- peergunga.
Light - -
- boori.
Where are
;he wunta murri ?
Dark -
- ngurnnu.
Blacks ?
Cold - -
- werera.
I don't know
- kurra (no).
Heat -
- yago.
Plenty-
- moorga.
Day -
- kurringa.
Big - -
- boolgi.
Night - -
- ngurnnu.
Little -
- warburroo.
Fire -
- poori.
Dead -
- woonunga.
Water
Smoke
Ground
- kamo.
- tooga.
- nanni.
By-and-by -
Come on
- yeta kurbunga.
- woongunga.
Wind- -
- kowri.
Milk -
- ngamoom.
Rain -
- tanduuga.
Eaglehawk -
- wirta.
God -
-
Wild turkey
- tirkooyee.
Ghosts
-
Wife -
- birgoo.
436
THE AUSTRALIAN EACE :
No. 122.— CLARKE RIVER.
FOBWARDED BY GRESLBY LITKIN, ESQ.
Kangaroo -
Hand -
merda.
Opossum - - kajea.
2 Blacks -
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu - - - goondooloo.
3 Blacks -
One -
Black duck
Two - .
Wood duck
Three
Pelican
Four -
Laughing jackass
Father
Native companion
White cockatoo -
Crow -
Mother
Sister-Elder
younga.
Swan -
„ Younger -
Egg - - -
Brother-Elder -
Track of a foot -
„ Younger
Fish -
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito - - kikaberdee.
Fly -
Snake
A young man
An old man
An old woman -
A baby
A White man
wurboon
The Blacks- - murdee.
Children -
galbin.
A Blackfellow - yelda.
Head -
kida.
A Black -woman - warrangoo.
Eye -
jeelee.
Nose - - - go.
Ear -
CLARKE RIVER.
437
No. 122. — CiAKKB RivKR — cowtinued.
Mouth
ta.
Boomerang-
-
Teeth
- urdea,
Hill -
-
Hair of the heac
jingo.
Wood-
Beard-
Stone -
- byree.
Thunder -
mur-rung-al-la.
Camp-
- yamba.
Grass -
- yago.
Yes -
.
Tongue
■ tallay.
No -
Stomach -
Breasts
I- -
-
Thigh
You -
-
Foot ■
jinna.
Bark-
■ -
Bone -
Good -
-
Blood- -
baragan.
Bad -
-
Skin -
Sweet-
-
Fat -
- tammee.
Food -
_
Bowels
Hungry
_
Excrement-
Thirsty -
.
War-spear -
- bung-gi.
Eat -
Reed-spear-
Wommera or
tarilla.
Sleep -
- wawga
throwing-stick
Drink-
-
Shield
koolmaree.
Walk -
Tomahawk (stone) balgo.
See -
Canoe
Sit - -
Sun -
ki-ilUa.
Yesterday -
Moon -
balanoo.
To-day
Star - • .
To-morrow-
.
Light -
Where are
the
Dark -
Blacks ?
Cold -
wilda.
Heat -
I don't know
-..
Day -
Plenty
Night
Big - -
Fire -
taroo.
Little -
- kangor
Water
kamoo.
Dead -
- hoolan
Smoke
toga.
By-and-by -
Ground
Come on -
- enjee.
Wind
memerry.
Milk -
Rain -
Eaglehawk-
God .
Wild turkey
- turgoo
Ghosts -
Wife - .
438
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 122.— THE CLARKE OR THE CAPE RIVER.
Words by Mr. De la Tour.
The writer is uncertain whether these words belong to the Clarke or the
Cape River.
Sticks with which kamiUa.
Claws
- piga.
fire is made by-
Go away
- munda.
friction
Sheep
- toomba.
Kangaroo
net - bundara.
Gun -
- pardoogo.
Pigeon
- mammilla.
Club -
- werrga.
Sharp
- berrkay.
Break
- goonjen.
Blunt
- koodoo.
Dirt -
- nannee.
Whiskers
- nunga.
Sore -
- gin-gin.
Lips -
- numbool.
Give -
- wawgandally
Eyebrows
- ngoon.
Sick -
- wee-wee.
Knee
- wa-gi-ill.
Pipe-olay
- bearanba.
Elbow
- barago.
Red ochre
- kalmoo^ara.
Lightning
- bermannow.
Bottle-tree- - kamberra.
Hail -
- palpee.
Grass-tree
- tackaberda.
Corroboree- - mulgurry.
Mud -
- goonarree.
Tail -
- wanna.
Leaves
- kanga.
Names
OP Men.
Dindera.
NgoraiiTia.
Moonga.
Angoree.
Munga.
Poonque.
Warree.
Mabbo.
Gobaranna.
Mooemoo.
Wawboo.
Koongee
Mundaree.
Normee.
Mugiueye.
Purmboo.
Mannow.
Booee,
THE CLARKE OR THE CAPE RIVER.
Names of Women.
Wanneree.
Goolberee.
Munduree.
Mimgaree.
Linderree.
Boongouree.
Obardee.
Bobbma.
Toeroyabban
439
440
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
No. 123.— TOP OF THE RANGE NEAR DALRYMPLE.
This Vocabulary, with some Additional Words, were kindly sent to me by
W. E. Armit, Esq., Inspector of the Native Mounted Police.
Kangaroo -
Opossum -
Tame dog -
kargood.
tangoord.
kowla.
Wild dog -
Emu -
Black duck -
gunduUu.
Wood duck-
Pelican . -
Laughing j aokass -
Native companion
White cockatoo -
kagoobarra.
Crow -
watta.
Swan -
Egg - - -
Track of a foot ■
Fish -
Lobster
dinango.
kuya.
Crayfish
Mosquito -
Fly - -
Snake -
moonda.
The Blacks -
A Blaokfellow ■
marringo.
marri.
A Black woman - margan or birgo.
Nose - - - goo.
Hand and arm - malla.
2 Blacks - - marringo bulla.
3 Blacks -
-
One -
-
Two -
- bulla.
Three -
-
Four -
-
Father
- yaboo.
Mother
- mama.
Sister-Elder
-
,, Younger
-
Brother-Elder
-
,, Younger
A young man
- walbarra.
An old man
-
An old woman
- cuymeu.
A baby
-
A White man
- gooin.
Children -
-
Head -
- katta.
Eye -
- dilly.
Ear -
- walloo.
TOP OF : THE RANGE NEAR DALRYMPLE.
441
No
123. — Range nbae
Daleymplb — contintied.
Mouth
- daa.
Boomerang -
- wangal.
Teeth -
■ yerra.
Hill -
Hair of the head
mowra.
Wood-
Beard-
dingo.
Stone -
Thunder -
Camp -
yamba.
Grass -
Yes -
Tongue
No -
karra.
Stomach ■
I
nya.
Breasts
namoon.
You -
inda.
Thigh
tarra.
Bark -
Foot -
dinna.
Good -
Bone -
Bad -
Blood -
Sweet -
Skin -
Food -
Fat -
Hungry
Bowels
Thirsty
Excrement -
goona.
Eat -
yugain.
War-spear -
pikalla.
Sleep -
wooka.
Eeed-spear-
Drink -
Wonnmera or
throwing-stick
Walk -
ngani.
Shield
See -
Tomahawk -
bargoo.
Sit -
Canoe
Yesterday -
Sun -
karri.
To-day
yigilga.
Moon -
nylian.
To-morrow -
wooga.
Star -
wilba.
.
Where are the
wanda marri !
Light -
Dark -
Blacks ?
Cold -
kirroo.
I don't know
Heat -
Plenty
• curbarra.
Day -
Big -
Night -
Little -
- wuputchum.
Fire - -
burri.
Dead -
Water
gamoo.
By-and-by -
- yabunda.
Smoke
Ground
Come on -
Wmd
Milk -
Rain - - . -
yugan.
Baglehawk-
- yilga.
God -
Wild turkey
Ghosts
Wife -
442
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 123. — Range neab Dalkymple— comifeaed.
Additional Words.
Shin-bone -
yangarra.
Bullock
- tumooburru.
Sword
pichercan.
Yam, yams -
- malboo, malboon.
Club -
nerroo.
Honey-comb
cabba or cudja.
Kangaroo net
waagal.
To lie -
- oatti.
Dilly bag -
coonaa.
You lie
catti nginda.
Coolaman (water-
wargarra.
Salt-water (sea)
- oalleyunga.
trough)
Scrub -
- dulgi.
Creek -
Mountain -
calbama.
- balgi.
Agun-
Plenty of Blacks
- margin.
- curbarra marri.
House -
Houses
Bandicoot -
Pigeon
Iguana
Rat -
goooa.
goooanga.
wugalla.
coombree.
tagani.
carroola.
Where? -
To run
You run
A boy -
To kill
- wanda?
■ wagga.
waggiua.
yabba.
- gundy.
Kangaroo-rat
taiju.
I will kill you
nyagna margiudo
Carpet snake
cabool.
with a gun
gundy.
No. 124.— CLEVELAND BAY.
By Abthue R. Johnstone, Esq., and Montagu Cube, Esq.
The following vocabularies, whicL. were forwarded to me, the
one by Mr. Arthur Johnstone and the other by my brother,
Mr. Montagu Curr, are both assigned to Cleveland Bay, and
belong no doubt to the dialects of two tribes in that
locality.
Mr. Johnstone informs me that when a Black of this tribe
dies he is buried and a large fire made over his grave.
Whilst it is burning, a gigantic man, it is believed, comes
and takes away aU the remains of the dead man with the
CLEVELAND BAY.
443
exception of his shadow and fingers. Should his surviving
kinsfolk travel at night without fire-sticks, they fancy they
see the shadow of the departed, now here^ now there,
amongst the trees. The men gash themselves horribly
on the death of a relative, and blacken their faces with
charcoal.
Mr. Johnstone furnishes the following Additional Words: —
Forehead -
- mooloo.
Eyebrows -
poorloo.
Throat
■ rooka.
Whiskers -
■ thalburra.
Moustache -
- moolia.
Chest -
- ra,llee.
Shoulders -
- dilbree.
Navel
- toogool.
Arm -
- culgul.
Elbow -
- mooroo.
Wrist-
■ poolgammoo
Fingers and toes
- eweera.
Little finger
- kobbee.
Back ■
- thooree.
Knee -
moko.
Calf of the leg
- arka.
Shin -
- rumpa.
Ankle -
- mookal.
Rump -
- moon.
Anus -
- pundein.
Urine -
- coral.
Salt-water -
- unda.
Coral -
- thumbee.
Devil -
- mungal.
Paddle for canoe
, - pareel.
Fishing-line
- rara.
Fish-hook -
- mingee.
Corroboree -
- mareka.
To swim
- ununga.
To burn
- kundimena.
To cut
- koonaborra.
Come !
- oorein!
To throw -
- runna.
To sing
- mureka.
To bite'
- koongunna.
Let go
- nnna.
To cook
- unga.
Sick -
- moogee.
Turtle -
- yungiin.
Wallaby -
" thallum.
Iguana
- pingoonburra
BSche-de-mer
- toonbulla.
Pigeon-
- noolamoola.
Sword (native)
- koonowa.
Bag -
- murrimikkee
444
THE AUSTEALIAN RACE;
No. 124.— CLEVELAND BAY.
Br A. R. Johnstone, Esq.
Kangaroo -
- thallun.
Hand -
muUa.
Opossum -
2 Blacks -
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu -
3 Blacks -
One -
Black duck
-■ oorandoo.
Two -
Wood duck
_
Three- -
Pelican
Four -
Laughing jackass" kakoogoo.
Father
Native companion
Mother
White cockatoo
Crow -
Swan -
Egg - -
- keemaroo.
Sister-Elder
„ Younger -
Brother-Elder -
Track of a foot
, , Younger
Fish -
A young man
Lobster
An old man
Crayfish
An old woman -
Mosquito -
Ply . .
Snake
The Blacks-
kabool.
A baby
A White man -
Children -
moolooramoon
A Blackfellow
■ elgooral.
Head -
A Black woman
muugun.
Eye -
mil.
Nose -
ooroo.
Ear -
pena.
CLEVELAND BAY.
445
No. 124.— Clbvelaijd Bay— continued.
Mouth
- tha.
Boomerang -
- ungal.
Teeth -
keera.
Hill -
.
Hair of the head
- moolooit.
Wood -
- puree.
Beard -
Stone -
.
Thunder
Camp -
- oora.
Grass -
oyulo.
Yes -
.
Tongue
thalein.
No -
Stomach
keepa.
I-
Breasts
namoon.
You -
Thigh -
thara.
■
Foot -
tinna.
Bark -
-
Bone ■
Good -
• noolambarroo
Blood -
kungen.
Bad -
- areea.
Skin -
Sweet -
-
Fat - -
Food -
- moodthuuna.
Bowels
keerulgarul.
Hungry
- oolein.
Excrement -
Thirsty
.
War-spear -
Reed-spear -
Wommera or
Eat -,
Sleep -
- koongool.
- yookecarko.
thro wing-stick
Drink -
- punga.
Shield -
kooeeree.
Walk - -
- thararoo.
Tomahawk -
See -
■
Canoe -
oolgaroo.
Sit -
- neeka.
Sun -
oba.
Yesterday -
-
Moor. -
bulbun.
To-day
-
Star -
puekarakkara.
To-morrow -
Light -
Where are the
Dark -
Blacks?
Gold -
keeto.
I don't know
Heat -
einburra.
Plenty
Day -
Big -
- kuka.
Night -
Little -
Fire -. -
paree.
Dead -
- ooleina.
Water
Smoke
Ground
thalmul.
puno.
arroeen.
By-and-by -
Come on
Wind -
Milk -
Rain - s.
ooreal.
Eaglehawk -
God - -
Wild turkey
oorumpa.
Ghosts
Wife -
keu or ken.
446
THE. AUSTRALIAN RACE
No. 124.— CLEVELAND BAY.
By Montagu Cube, Esq.
Kangaroo -
poUee.
Hand -
- mal-la.
Opossum
kudthara.
2 Blacks -
Tame dog -
oyeo.
3 Blacks -
-
Wild dog -
One -
- yoongul.
Emu -
windoloo.
Two -
- yug-ga.
Black duck -
Wood duck-
Pelicau
yamooroo.
gooda-gro-go.
buUoo.
Three -
Four -
- murgine.
Laughing jackass
Father
- a-boo.
Native companion kondil.
Mother
- a-mee.
White cockatoo -
gim-o-ro.
Sister-Elder
- ava-ru.
Crow - - -
o-gal.
„ Younger
-
Swan -
Brother-Elder
- aw-ood-tha.
Egg -
korindil.
„ Younger
Track of a foot -
yalgi.
A young man
- mur-gur-ra.
Fish - -
ood-gurh.
Lobster
An old man
- woor-goor-bee.
Crayfish
An old woman
- ko-lo-la.
Mosquito -
koo-be-yal.
A baby
- nunga.
Ply - - -
koo-roo-mo.
A White man
.
Snake - - -
ur-buUa.
Children -
- d'thoon-ga-ree
The Blacks -
goon-gar-re.
Head -
- alloc.
A Blaokfellow -
A Black woman -
mar-boora.
Eye -
- ma-el.
Nose -
oro.
Ear -
- "pinna.
CLEVELAND BAY.
447
No. 124.— Cleveland Bay— contimted
Mouth
- d'tha.
Boomerang -
Teeth -
- reera.
Hill -
Hair of the head
- moo-loin.
Wood -
Beard
- d'thub-barr.
Stone -
burree.
Thunder -
- d'the-go-ro.
Camp -
oo-gi.
Grass -
- boo-gun.
Yea -
ud-d'tha.
Tongue
- kal-line.
No - - -
aou-woo.
Stomach
- kee-la.
I - - -
Breasts
- ngammoon.
Thigh
- d'tharra.
You -
Foot -
- d'thinna.
Bark - - -
Bone -
- doo-ree.
Good -
Blood -
- goon-bunna.
Bad -
kou-un-ju-ga.
Skin - -
- d'thal-goor.
Sweet -
koo-bun.
Fat -
- tammee.
Pood -
koou-jan-na.
Bowels
-
Hungry
ooline.
Excrement -
- koona.
Thirsty
boogar-go.
War- spear -
- kul-gi.
Eat -
Reed-spear -
- but-thurr.
Sleep -
Wommera or
koola.
Drink -
thro wing-stick
Walk -
SUeld
- bingone.
See -
Tomahawk -
- bun-una.
Sit -
Canoe -
- woo-roo.
Sun -
- ooba.
Yesterday -
ma-rul-a-go.
Moon -
- kun-gine.
To-day
cud-geen.
Star -
- oobun-jella.
To-morrow
kur-ul-a-go.
Light -
- moo-rone.
Where are the
un dthnngo
Dark -
- mung-urr.
Blacks ?
burra minya
Cold -
- kid-doo.
I don't know
a-oo-gud-tha.
Heat -
- ungurra.
Plenty
mindi-yarra.
Day -
- oo-ba.
Big - -
moo-ga.
Night -
- ned-dee.
Little -
bun- j ah.
Fire -
- ar-a-bee.
Dead -
ola-na.
Water
- kammoo.
By-and-by -
lur-ga.
Smoke
- poo-uoo.
Come on
oo-rine.
Ground
- ky-ee.
Milk -
Wind-
- wirra-wirra.
Rain -
- ko-a.
Eaglehawk -
God -
_
Wild turkey
Ghosts
_
Wife -
-
448 THE AUSTRALIAN EACE:
No. 125.— MOUNT ELLIOTT.
Pkom a Pamphlet entitled "Sketch or the Residence of James
moebill among the aborigines of noetheen queensland egk
Seventeen Yeaes," etc.
By Edmund Geegoet.
The following items of information in connection with the
language and customs of the tribe of which Mount Elliott
is the head-quarters, and which frequents also at intervals
the coast at and near Cape Cleveland, were obtained from
James Murrells (commonly called Morrill), and recorded in
the pamphlet by Edmund Grregory named above. That
fuller particulars of Murrells' experiences were not preserved
is to be regretted. Of those which we have, the chief points
of interest are as follows : —
In 1846 several persons in a very exhausted state landed
at Cape Cleveland from a raft, on which they had made
their escape from a vessel which had been wrecked six weeks
previously on a reef considerably to the eastward of that
point. Amongst them was a young sailor named James
Murrells, who shortly became the sole survivor of the party.
He relates that they were received by the Mount EUiott
people, who were then on the coast, with a sort of rough
hospitality, being well fed, and sheltered from the sun in
huts made of boughs, but were robbed by those children of
MOUNT ELLIOTT. 449
Nature of almost everything they possessed. The reason of
the unfortunates finding favor with the tribe appears to
have been that the latter, having no idea that any race save
their own existed in the world, thought the new arrivals
were formerly defunct members of their tribe come to life
again. With this tribe Murrells lived as one of themselves
for seventeen years, acquiring both their language and
habits, until, hearing of the arrival of some squatting
pioneers with their flocks and herds on the Mall-mall or
Burdekin Eiver, he made his way to their hut, with the con-
sent of the tribe, and returned to- civilization. After the
lapse of a few months, Murrells married, received the
appointment of Customs officer at Bowen, where he must
have died not very long after, as the date of the pamphlet in
which that event is mentioned is 1865. The following facts
are gleaned fram Mr. Gregory's account of Murrells.
Polygamy exists in the Mount Elliott tribe, a few of the
men having as many as eight or nine wives. In three or
four instances twins were born. The food-supply, consisting
of animals, fish, and roots, is both varied and abundant.
Cannibalism prevails, those of their own tribe who are killed
in battle or by accident being eaten by their kinsfolk, but
not the enemies whom they slay. There seem to have been
eight distinct tribes living in association at and near Mount
Elliott, all of whose dialects Murrells spoke.
"The different animals," says the pamphlet, "are
arranged according to the size of their feet, hence the sheep
have the same name as their wallabies {cargoon). All
kinds of sailing vessels have the same name as their canoes,
viz., woolgoora, because they float on the water. The
heavenly bodies are named differently; the sun is ingin, which
they think is a body of fire, because of its warmth, and
especially so since they saw us light a rag with a burning-
glass. The moon (werboonburra) they say is a human being
Uke themselves, and comes down on the earth, and they
sometimes meet it in some of their fishing excursions.
They say one tribe throws it up, and it gradually rises and
VOL. II, 2 F
450 THE AUSTRALIAN EACE :
then comes down again, when another tribe catches it to
save it from hurting itself. They accordingly think there
is a new sun and moon every day and night. There is
a large open space on Mount Elliott with not a vestige
of vegetation on it, whilst up to the very margin of
it is a thick scrub; and they told James Murrells it was
done by the moon, who threw his circle-stick round it
(meaning his boomerang), and cut it off. Throwing the sun
and moon up by one tribe, and catching them by another,
will easily be recognized as their explanation of the rising
and setting of these bodies. They have no knowledge of the
earth beyond the locality they inhabit. ....
They think all the heavenly bodies are under their control,
and when there is an eclipse some of their tribe hide it with
a sheet of bark to frighten the rest. There was about six
years before Murrells' restoration an eclipse of the sun,
nearly a total eclipse — the only one he saw — about four
o'clock in the afternoon. He asked an old man what it
meant, and he told him his son had hid it (the sun) to
frighten another of his tribe. But they were very uneasy
during its continuance. They picked up a piece of grass and
bit it, making a mumbling noise, keeping their eyes steadily
fixed on it till it passed over, when they became easy again.
They think they have power over the rain (durgun) to make
it come and go as they like. The rainbow (terebare) they
think is the clouds spewing fish in the lagoons, and roots
on the hills, or something for their good, wherever the end
points They told me that their
forefathers witnessed a great flood, and nearly all were
drowned, only those who got on a very high mountain
{Bibbiringda, which is inland of the north bay of Cape
Cleveland) were saved. He understood them to refer to the
flood mentioned in Scripture, especially as they say only a
few were allowed to go up." One of the ceremonies prac-
tised, when admitting lads to the status of men, is tying up
the arms above the elbow, as is done on the west coast.
Many other practices already referred to in these pages are
MOUNT Ea^LIOTT. 451
also mentioned by Murrells. Following are given the few
words which appear in the pamphlet and are found in my
Common Vocabulary.
2 F 2
452
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 125.— MOUNT ELLIOTT.
Kangaroo -
Opossum - - moongun.
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu - - - koondoola.
Black duck - yamara.
Wood duck
Pelican
Laughing jackass
Native companion phorogwan.
White cockatoo -
Crow
Swan
Egg ■
Track of a foot -
Fish -
Lobster
Csayfish
Mosquito -
Fly - - -
Snake-
The Blacks
A Blackfellow - munya.
A Black woman - youngoora.
Nose -
Hand -
kaban kaban
2 Blacks -
3 Blacks -
One -
woggin.
Two -
boolray.
Three
goodjoo.
Four -
murrwool.
Father
Mother
Sister-Elder
„ Younger -
Brother-Elder -
„ Younger
A young man
An old man
An old woman -
A baby
colamar.
A White man -
Children -
Head -
coode.
Eye -
teeburra.
Ear -
deeragun,
MOUNT ELLIOTT.
453
No. 125.— Mount Elliott— continued.
Mouth
■
Boomerang -
.
Teeth-
■
Hill -
Hair of the head
■ weir.
Wood -
Beard -
-
Stone -
Thunder
Grass -
- teegoora.
Camp -
Yes -
Tongue
- telli.
Stomach
- booloo.
No - -
-
Breasts
- urga, namoon.
I-
-
Thigh -
-
You -
-
Foot -
- deena.
Bark -
-
Bone -
.
Good -
-
Blood -
.
Bad -
-
Skin -
Sweet -
-
Pat -
-
Food -
-
Bowels
-
Hungry
-
Excrement -
-
Thirsty
-
War-spear -
-
Eat -
-
B«ed-spear -
-
Sleep -
„
Wommera or
Drink -
.
- throwing-stick
Walk -
Shield -
See -
_
Tomahawk -
- buUgoo.
Sit -
Canoe -
■ woolgoora.
Sun - -
- injin.
Yesterday -
-
Moon -
■ wurboonburra.
To-day
-
Star -
mUgoolerburda.
To-morrow -
-
Light -
Where are
the
Dark -
Blacks?
Cold -
I don't know
-
Heat -
Plenty
- qneerarilla.
Day -
Big - -
- wadoolbil.
Night - -
Little -
- waboora.
Tue
ejugaba.
Dead -
. .
Water -
Smoke-
- doongalla.
By and-by -
-
Ground
mannie.
Come on
-
Wind -
Milk -
-
Raia -
■ durgun.
Eaglehawk
-
God -
Wild turkey
- mooraynburra
Ghosts
Wife -
.
454
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 126.— MOUTHS OF THE BURDEKIN RIVER.
By J. O'CoNNOE, Esq.
Kangaroo -
arragoo.
Hand -
- wurrumby.
Opossum
onehunger.
2 Blacks -
- blarin dulgooh.
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
oodoodoo.
3 Blacks -
- wungoo dulgooh
Emu -
karboonmillery.
One -
- warrin.
Black duck -
hoorooburry.
Two -
- blarin.
Wood duck -
culburh.
Three -
- wungoo.
Pelican
dooroomuUy.
Four -
- muiragi.
Laughing jackass
karcoobura.
Father
- abah.
Native companion kooroogowgun.
Mother
White cockatoo -
bunginna.
- yunguma.
Crow -
wombugah.
Sister-Elder
- kooda.
SwEin -
,, Younger
-
Egg -
gunnoo.
Brother-Elder
- kudun.
Track of a foot
yulmun.
„ Younger
Fish -
weambura.
A young man
- deebahgul.
Lobster
boogurrie.
An old man
- nuganugamun.
Crayfish
inundah.
An old woman
- bundeyun.
Mosquito
hoonhoono.
Fly - - -
nin.
A baby
- cowla.
Snake -
boongi (carpet).
A White man
- yuarroo.
The Blacks -
dulgooh.
Children
- moolaramoo.
A Blackf ellow
dulgooh.
Head -
- karboyan.
A Black woman
tudgegun.
Eye -
- deebara.
Nose -
wuneary.
Ear -
- kungun.
MOUTHS OF THE BURDEKIN RIVER,
455
No. 126
. — Mouths of the Bukdekin Rivee-
—continued.
Mouth
- unga.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
• dinguU.
Hill -
-
Hair of the head
- targuinn.
Wood -
- moora.
Beard -
- talba.
Stone -
- bungil.
Thunder -
- burrahroo.
Camp -
- midera.
Grass -
- narahminie.
Yes -
- yu yow.
No -
- karbil.
Tongue
- dulling.
I
- uda.
Stomach
- boonda.
Breasts
- dulnbinn.
You -
- ninda.
Thigh -
- duburrin.
Bark -
- bulgun.
Foot -
- dingooburra.
Good -
- boongoon.
Bone -
- mimmoon.
Bad - -
- diga.
Blood -
- queeberry.
Sweet -
- goondi.
Skin -
- tnindeer.
Food -
- dunggee, ogoo
Fat -
- boongaroo.
Hungry
- garoo.
Bowels
- yabboo.
Thirsty
- , armboo yul-
Excrement -
- guno.
burana.
War-spear -
- woolunbura.
Eat -
- dulgee ogoo.
Reed-spear -
- (none used).
Sleep -
- boog oggba.
Wommera or
buddurrie.
Drink -
- kudge ogoo.
throwing-stiok
Shield
- poodda poodda.
Walk -
- warin.
Tomahawk -
- oolun.
See
- na.
Canoe -
- karbeyal.
Sit -
- duri.
Sun -
- mnlloun.
Yesterday -
- dirrierih.
Moon -
- waboonburra.
To-day
- cudgin.
Star - -
- dirilger.
To-morrow -
- burrigunda.
Light -
- baragunna.
Where are the ulba dalgul ?
Dark -
- wuUmrrie.
Blacks?
Cold .-
- orbehgun.
I don't know
- carbilbrather.
Heat -
- moondo moondo.
Plenty
- murrgi.
Day -
- unbur.
Big -
- yunga.
Night -
-
Little -
- arbooro.
Fire -
- neebuU.
Dead -
- walgoon.
Water
Smoke
Ground
- dunjun.
- doongin.
- dingur.
By-and-by -
Come on
- boodinhi.
- kooa.
Wind-
- uinne.
Milk -
-
Rain -
- marroo.
Baglehawk -
-
God -
-
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
-
Wife -
-
456
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE
No. 127.— PORTER'S RANGE.
Bt Montagu Curb, Esq.
Kangaroo -
woora.
Hand
- malla.
Opossum -
thangaroo.
2 Blacks -
-
Tame dog -
moora.
3 Blacks -
.
Wild dog -
Emu
koondooloo.
One -
- wigin.
Black duck
koberri.
Two -
- poolaroo.
Wood duck
jimaju.
Three -
- koorburra
Pelican
pooloon.
Pour -
-
Laughing jackass
kakoburra.
Father
- yabbo.
Native companioi]
White cockatoo -
■
therone.
Mother
- yanga.
Crow -
wooralta.
Sister-Elder
- koodtha.
Swan -
„ Younger
-
Egg - - -
koomurra.
Brother-Elder
- waboo.
Track of a foot -
yalga.
„ Young
er
Fish -
kooyo.
A young man
- kowala.
Lobster
Crayfish
wagooramoo.
An old man
- magoora.
Mosquito -
kooa.
An old woman
- wumpan.
A baby
- kundoo.
Fly -
- ninga.
Snake
noonda.
A White man
- miggolo.
The Blacks -
kooroon.
Children
- webburru
A Blackfellow
murree.
Head -
- kowro.
A Black woman -
wangu.
Eye -
- dthille.
Nose -
nindee.
Ear -
- walloo.
PORTER'S RANGE.
457
No. 127.— Poetek's
Mouth
- dtha.
Teeth -
- yeera.
Hair of the head
- kudtha.
Beard -
- iiTiga.
Thunder -
- moandhilla
Grass -
- boogun.
Tongue
- dthallan.
Stomach
- buima.
Breasts
- bilbille.
Thigh
- yungurra.
Foot -
- deena.
Bone -
- bulbun.
Blood -
- kooma.
Skm -
- miniun.
Fat ■
- tammy.
Bowels
- nambo.
Excrement -
- koonua.
War-spear -
- kalka.
Reed-spear -
- moongul.
Wommera or
bingo.
throwing-atick
Shield -
- koolmaree.
Tomahawk ■
- balko.
Canoe -
-
Sun -
- kyee.
Moon -
- ebarra.
Star -
- botho.
Light -
- bunning.
Dark -
- oonoo.
Cold -
- winua.
Heat -
- mungurra.
Day -
- kurringo.
Night -
- oonoo
Fu-e. -
- booree.
Water
- kamoo.
Smoke
- dthoga.
Ground .
- nauee.
Wind-
- eburra.
Rain -
- komoo.
God -
.
Ghosts
_
Range — continued.
Boomerang -
-
Hill ■
-
Wood -
- dthoola.
Stone -
- byee.
Camp -
- yamba.
Yes -
- wyee.
No -
- gurra.
I
- ngiar.
You -
- inda.
:Bark -
- koka.
Good -
- booroolera.
Bad -
- magora.
Sweet
-
Pood -
- uree.
Hungry
- karamoonoo.
Thirsty
- woola.
Eat -
- uguUa.
Sleep -
- bomburra.
Drink -
- uganago.
Walk -
- tooago.
See -
- mug-gul-a.
Sit -
- naboo.
Yesterday -
-
To-day
-
To-morrow -
- wirraroo.
Where are
the wundthamurree?
Blacks ?
I don't know
- gnia gurra yim-
billa.
Plenty
- boolgun.
Big -
-
Little -
- walidgero.
Dead -
- woolanoo.
By-and-by -
- dthango.
Come on
- kannee.
Milk -
-
Eaglehawk -
-
Wild turkey
-
Wife -
458
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 128.— CHARTERS TOWERS.
From the Chief Commissionbe of Police, Brisbane.
The equivalent for the word
tribe, now long extinct. There is
is the same as that of the Sydney
but one word to express hill and stcyne.
Kangaroo -
oora.
Opossum-
tandroo.
Tame dog -
ooda.
Wild dog -
Emu -
kondoolo.
Black duck -
kubbrie.
Wood duck -
Pelican
weeda.
Laughing jackass
Native companion
White cockatoo -
doorona.
Crow -
warralba.
Swan -
Egg - - .
kookabeck.
Track of a foot
dinna.
Pish -
koorie.
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
kooa.
Ply - - ■
Snake -
The Blacks -
mankill.
A Blackfellow -
marria.
A Black woman
Nose -
uinde.
Hand -
- muUa.
2 Blacks -
-
3 Blacks -
-
One -
-
Two -
-
Three -
-
Pour -
-
Pather
- yabba.
Mother
- yanga.
Sister-Elder
-
,, Younger
-
Brother-Elder
- kudena
,, Younger wappo.
A young man
-
An old man
- prengul
An old woman
-
A baby
- wappo.
A White man
-
Children -
-
Head -
- kudda.
Eye -
- dillie.
Ear -
- walloo
CHARTERS TOWERS.
459
No. 128. — Chapters
Mouth - - da.
Teeth- - - alia.
Hair of the head- kudda.
Beard- - - ongar.
Thunder
Grass - - - woomba.
Tongue - - alia.
Stomach - - bona.
Breasts - - mombot.
Thigh- - - thurra.
Foot -
Bone - - - yangarra.
Blood -
Skin - - - milqut.
Fat -
Bowels
Excrement -
War-spear - - konda.
Eeed-spear -
Wommera or
throwing- stick
Shield - - heelaman.
Tomahawk - balgo.
Canoe -
Sun . - - kurra.
Moon - - - kooqurra.
Star - - - budda.
Light - - - oona.
Dark - - - oonock
Cold - - - weeda.
Heat - - -
Day - - -
Night -
Fire - - - borra.
Water - - abra.
Smoke - - doogar.
Ground - - nana.
Wind -
Rain - - . cobra.
God -
Ghosts - - gooie.
To^iEBS— continued.
Boomerang -
- warangal
Hill -
- barrie.
Wood -
- budda.
Stone -
- barrie.
Camp -
- yamba.
Yes -
-
No -
-
I
-
You -
-
Bark -
- bulgut.
Good -
- nooda.
Bad -
-
Sweet -
-
Pood -
-
Hungry
- curquna.
Thirsty
- abra.
Eat -
-
Sleep -
- yamba.
Drink
- abra.
Walk -
-
See -
-
Sit -
-
Yesterday -
-
To day
-
To-morrow -
-
Where are
the
Blacks ?
I don't know
-
Plenty
-
Big - -
-
Little -
- coa.
Dead -
- oUa.
By-and-by •
-
Come on
-
Milk -
- ommoon.
Baglehawk -
-
Wild turkey
- burcum.
Wife -
- berguna.
460
THE AUSTRALIAN BACE :
No. 129.— UPPER FLINDERS, HUGHENDEN,
BUTTON RIVER, ETC.
By Montagu Cueb, Esq., ajsb Edwabd Cube. Esq.
Of the dialects of the Upper Flinders and Dutton Rivers I
have received two specimens from my brother and son named
above. The name of the language is Pooroga. It mnch
resembles that of Tower Hill and Cornish Creek, and has
many words found in the Porter's Range, Diamantina and
Thomson Rivers languages. The two samples produced of
the Pooroga agree very well, though obtained probably
from persons of distinct tribes.
No. 129.— UPPER FLINDERS, HUGHENDEN, AND DUTTON
RIVER.
By Montagu Cure, Esq.
Kangaroo -
gooroo.
Hand -
murra.
Opossiim
cudthra.
2 Blacks -
Tame dog -
cobboora.
3 Blacks
Wild dog -
Emu -
One -
Black duck -
oooburree.
Two -
boolurroo.
Wood duck -
Three -
boorka.
Pelican
Four -
Laughing jackass
co-ca-burra.
Native companion bilbungala.
Father
mareera.
White cockatoo -
mooranga.
Mother
marrunka.
Crow -
wagunna.
Sister-Elder
cudthuuna
Swan -
,, Younger
Egg -
Track of a foot ■
dthaudoo.
Brother-Elder
moogoona.
Fish -
cooyoo.
,, Younger
Lobster
marooroo.
A young man
nyunka.
Crayfish -
An old man
baboora.
Mosquito -
coongoona.
An old woman
Fly -
Snake -
ngingya.
moonda.
A baby
dgellaroo.
The Blacks -
murree
A White man
(doubtful).
Children
A Blackfellow
Head -
A Black woman -
ngyunga.
Eye -
dthilli.
Nose -
wangoye.
Bar -
munta.
UPPER FLINDERS, HUGHENDEN, ETC.
461
No. 129. — Upper Flinders, Htjghenden, and Ddtton River —
crnitinued.
Mouth
dthowa.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
ulgulla.
Hill -
Hair of the head
cudthagoorun.
Wood -
Beard
unga.
Stone -
- but-thuUa.
Thunder -
■ ge-i.
Grass ■
yagoo.
Camp -
- wongo.
Tongue
- koogunya.
Yes -
- eea.
Stomach
- yagoora.
No -
-
Breasts
I
Thigh
Foot -
- d'tharroo.
- d'thinna.
You -
■
Bone -
- goomgooma.
Bark -
- magoora.
Blood -
- eergurra.
Good -
Skin -
- magoora.
Bad -
-
Fat -
- dthoona.
Sweet -
.
Bowels
Food -
- minna.
Excrement -
- koomia.
Hungry
- win-giu-a-roo
War-spear -
Eeed-spear
- moorga.
Thirsty
Eat -
- kunga.
Wommera or
throwing-stick
Sleep -
Shield- -
- coolmurree.
Drink -
Tomahawk -
- coodja.
Walk -
Canoe -
-
See -
Sun -
. knmba.
Sit -
-
Moon -
- kogurra.
Yesterday -
-
Star - -
- d'the-gul-cood-
To-day
.
Light -
tha.
To-morrow -
- djinroo.
Dark -
- burgun.
Where are the
Blacks ?
Cold -
- inguano.
Heat -
I don't know
Day
Plenty
Night - -
-
Big -
Fire -
- booree.
Little -
Water-
- kamoo.
Dead -
- ooranoo.
Smoke
- dthooga.
By-and-by -
Ground
- goondee.
Come on
Wind -
- poodtha.
Milk -
Rain
- kamoo.
Eaglehawk -
God - -
-
Wild turkey
Ghosts
.
Wife -
462
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
No. 129.— UPPER FLINDERS, HUGHBNDEN, AND DUTTON
RIVER.
By Edwaed CuiiK, Esq.
Kangaroo -
gooroo.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum
kathara.
2 Blacks -
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu -
Black duck -
kabburra.
ooloarri.
koo-daboora.
3 Blacks -
One -
Two -
- ungarr.
- boolarri, poole.
Wood duck -
narawool.
Three -
- goorboore.
Pelican
tarraroo.
Four -
- poorooga.
Laughing jackass
kakooburra.
Father
- maruna, marri.
Native companion
White cockatoo -
Crow -
bilbungara.
murroin.
wadda.
Mother
Sister-Elder
- yamgin, yanga.
- ngamalla.
Swan -
„ Younger
- wabagoo.
Egg -
tarndoo.
Brother-Elder
- muggi.
Track of a foot -
tinna.
,, Younger wabagoo.
Fish -
kooyoo.
A young man
- wangoor, balba.
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
Fly - -
Snake -
koongain.
yilna.
moouda.
An old man
An old woman
A baby
A White man
- eyara.
- mangoor.
- gallaroo.
- yerby.
The Blacks -
yalgaburra.
Children
- ooranga.
A Blackfellow
Head -
- paragna, parryn
A Black woman
wooroona.
Eye ■
- timmari.
Nose -
gooni.
Ear -
- munga.
UPPER FLINDERS, HUGHENDEN, ETC.
463
No. 129. — Upper Plindebs, Hughenden,. and Button Rivbr-
contimied.
Mouth-
- dt-hawa.
Boomerang -
- kulga.
Teeth -
- nugala.
Hill • -
- undoothala.
Hair of the head
■ wooroo.
Wood -
- boorri.
Beard -
- nunga.
Stone -
- yanandoro.
Thunder -
- pimanoo.
Camp -
■ warngo.
Grass -
Tongue
- yakoo.
- kookanya.
Yes -
- yae.
Stomach
- koogingara.
No
- nowa.
Breasts
- yammoon.
I
- yo.
Thigh -
- yangara.
You -
- ioo.
Foot -
- tiima.
Bark -
- mindana, yoo-
Bone -
- koongoona.
arna.
Blood -
"- yirgoora.
Good -
- tarrili, dtharil
Skin -
- magoora.
Bad -
- al-i-goo.
Fat -
- toodda.
Sweet -
Bowels
- padanna.
Pood -
- minna, purga.
Excrement -
- koonna.
Hungry
- karamulberri.
War-spear -
- moorga.
Thirsty
- karraga.
Reed-spear -
Wommera or
- kaygooma.
koonbinna.
Eat -
■ yooga.
throwing-stick
Sleep -
- wilgida.
Shield -
- koolmurri.
Drink -
- yoogangaoo.
Walk -
- kabonaoo.
Tomahawk -
- kooga.
See
- tillilma.
Canoe -
Sun -
- karri.
Sit
- yinda.
Moon -
- tagara, ka,gara.
Yesterday -
To-day
- kageam.
- waabedunga.
Star -
■ tigalnagoo.
To-morrow -
- waanga.
Light -
- waa.
Where are
the ninaya nagaoo.
Dark -
- oonno.
Blacks ?
Cold -
- wirra, weda.
I don't know
- nawadi.
Heat -
Day -
Night -
- wanginna.
- nambimbidoo.
Plenty
Big -
- yangamara,
pooroga.
- walbagna.
Fire -
- boorri.
Little -
- wabigoo.
Water-
- kammoo.
Dead -
- oola, cunga.
Smoke
- tooka.
Ground
- koondi.
By-and-by -
-
Come on
- kawayi.
Wind -
- parooga.
Rain -
- kammoo, woor-
Milk -
- kooma.
alba.
Eaglehawk -
-
God . -
_
Wild turkey
- pragam.
Ghosts
,
Wife -
- nadunda.
464 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 130.— THE WATERSHED AND UPPER PORTION
OF THE CAPE RIVER.
By M. Armstrong, Inspector op Police.
FoK the foUowing account of the Mungerra tribe, which
inhabits the watershed and upper portion of the Cape River,
I am indebted to the Commissioner of PoUce in Queensland,
and to Inspector M. Armstrong. The extent of country
belonging to the tribe is said to be about 300 square nules;
and its numbers are — 70 men, 30 women, 30 boys, and 20
girls, in all 150 souls. When their country was first
occupied by the Whites in 1860, their numbers were estimated
at 360. The decrease is attributed to the diseases always
introduced by the Whites, and to influenza, sMn disease,
want of food, and probably to the atrocities of the Black
Police, which are not mentioned, however. My informant
says that this tribe wear no clothes; that the height of the
men is about five feet seven inches, and that of the women
four feet eleven inches ; and that few live to be over forty
years of age. That the stature, strength, and duration of
life amongst the Blacks of Northern Queensland are less
than in the southern portion of the continent, I find to be
the opinion of several of my correspondents, Mr. Armstrong
amongst them.
For ornaments, the Mungerra tribe wear a bone through
the septum of the nose, a mussel-shell on the forehead, and
a necklace of small reeds cut into short lengths. On
occasions of corroborees, deaths, and fights, the men smear
their persons with the usual grease and red ochre or pipe-
clay, according to circumstances. Their implements are
baskets, knives which resemble chisels in shape, and stone
WATERSHED AND PORTION OF CAPE RIVER. 465
tomahawks ground to an edge. They have also nets for the
capture of kangaroo, emu, .and fish. Their weapons are
jagged war-spears thrown with the hand, and reed-spears
thrown with the wommera; also boomerangs of both sorts,
and the inevitable nuUa-nuUa or club, which last is the only-
weapon they decorate with carving. Their meat they cook
on the coals; ovens are not found amongst them. No traces
of small-pox have been observed.
My informant remarks that this tribe are cannibals to a
limited degree, and when sorely pinched by hunger have
been known to kill and eat some of their female children.
They have no objection to tell their names. Marriages are
made both in and out of the tribe. The males are allowed
to get wives at from seventeen to twenty years of age if they
are able, and the females become wives at eleven to fourteen
years of age, and have been known to have children at
twelve years. About one-fifth of the men who have wives
have more than one. Children belong to the tribe . of the
father. In youth, the males and females have their skins
orn'amented with scars. When the period of adolescence is
past, a front tooth is knocked out of the upper jaw of the
males and the lower jaw of the females. Circumcision and
other rites of the sort are not practised in this tribe, but on .
occasions of mourning they cut- and gash themselves in
various places. They have a great fear of a Supernatural
Being, and also of the dead. They make young men on the
occasion of their corroborees. Their dead are buried, but
not at any great depth, and the friends of the deceased paint
portions of their bodies -with pipe-clay on such occasions.
Disagreements are settled by pitched battles, single -combats,
or arbitration. " I have known," says Mr. Armstrong, " a
•message to be sent over one hundred miles on a stick about
four inches long, notched all over -with diamond-shaped
marks. The stick was about one inch in circumference."
So far as has been observed, no government exists in the
tribe. The names of the neighbouring tribes are Bulla,
TumbuUa, Mungubra, Queebinbirra, and Mungabirra.
VOL. II. 2 G
466
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE :
No. 130— WATERSHED AND UPPER PORTION OE CAPE
RIVER.
Kangaroo -
tikkara.
Opossum
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu - - . -
goberri.
Black duck -
kotubra.
Wood duck-
barcoma.
Pelican_
bilbungra.
Laughing jackass
obbirri.
Native colnpanion
tarrooroo.
White cockatoo -
chikeri.
Crow -
wawteringa.
Swan -
Egg - - -
thando.
Track of a foot -
tri.
Pish -
kooyoo.
Lobster
Crayfish ■ -
-
Mosquito -
kogunnia.
Fly - - -
nunga.
Snake -
thrana.
The Blacks
meanna.
A Blaokfellow -
A Black woman ■
uugoo.
Nose -
ungne.
Hand -
mobrey.
2 Blacks -
3 Blacks -
One -
wongra.
Two - ' -
booUi.
Three -
Pour - - ■ -
goodberri
Father
marena.
Mother
■ younga.
Sister-Elder
omula.
„ Younger -
kathna.
Brother-Elder -
mugenna.
„ Youngei
tombua.
A young man
ulora.
An old man
nathua.
An old- woman
babina.
A baby
■ galaroo.
A White man
Children ■
ama.
Head
yabinga.
Eye -
- dilli.
Ear -
■ mungua.
WATERSHED AND PORTION OF CAPE RIVER.
467
No. 130— V
T'atershed and Upp
BR Portion of
Cape River —
contimmd.
Mouth
■ tooga.
Boomerang -
- gulga.
Teeth -
- era.
Hill -
- mungna.
Hair of the head
- yoUi.
Wood -
- thoola.
Beard -
- nunda.
Stone -
- pathilla.
Thunder -
- gurru.
Camp -
- yamba.
Grass -
- yago.
Yes -
- yalguma.
Tongue
- kaae.
' No -
- nowa.
Stomach
- koona.
I
- iu.
Breasts
- thungoo
You - -
- wolaga.
Thigh
- mogo.
Bark -
- koka.
Foot ■ ■
- thinna.
Good -
- tharibra.
Bone -
- gunguna.
Bad - -
- kicha.
Blood -
- ugra.
Sweet -
- tharibra.
Skin -
- mokra.
Fat -
- tommi.
Food -
- mooa.
Bowels
- thunga.
Hungry
- kajnunga.
Excrement -
- goomia.
Thirsty
- kurena.
War-spear -
- bilgi.
Eat -
- maionuna.
E^ed-spear -
- warda
Sleep -
- olkitta.
Wommera -
- thoomulla.
Drink -
- mangena.
Shield
- gullmerri.
Walk -
- tooa.
Tomahawk -
- koooha.
See -
- parrari.
Canoe
-
Sit -
- endana. .
Sun -
- winganna.
Yesterday -
- kalkura.
Moon -
- kokkra.
Star -
- buttu.
To-day
To-morrow -
- nakka.
Light -
- nnnu.
Dark -
.
Where are the
kurra murra ?
Cold -
- wida. ■
Blacks?
Heat -
- thowri.
I don't know
- natu.
Day -
- nnnu.
Plenty
- yanunga.
Night - -
- waberri.
Big -
- baabirra.
Fire - :
- bree.
Little -
- kokoro.
Water
- kanamo.
Dead -
- woligi. .
Smoke
- dungunna.
By-and-by -
- guragura.
Ground
- gunay.
Come on
- thourakabona.
Wind-
- parretta.
Milk -
- nommuima.
Rain -
- kammo.
Eaglehawk -
- umbilla.
God - -
-
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
- yarri.
2
Wife -
3r2
- wouna.
468 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 131.— NATAL DOWNS STATION, CAPE EIVER.
By F. M. -ToMPSON, Esq., and William Chatpield, Jun., Esq.
Of the laaguage of the Pegulloburra tribe, which is called
Eneby, I have received two vocabularies, one from Mr. F. M.
Tompson, Inspector of Police, and the other from Mr. Wm.
Chatfield, jun., of Natal Downs Station. This latter gentle-
man, who has taken much kindly interest in my inquiries,
has also furnished me with such information as has enabled
me to give the following account of the tribe.
In country watered by the Cape Eiver, and measuring
about one hundred miles square (i.e., ten thousand square
miles, or six million four hundred thousand acres), dwell six
burra, or tribes, who speak, with smaU dialectic differences,
what they call the Eneby language. The names of these
tribes are: —
1. Yukkaburra, supposed to be the original stock.
2. Pegulloburra.
3. Wokkulburra (i.e., Eel people).
4. Mungooburra.
5. MunguUaburra (Spinifex people).
6. Goondoolooburra (Emu people).
Each of these tribes is subdivided into four classes. Every
class has its representative bird, animal, or reptile (com-
monly called totem or crest), and, says Mr. Chatfield, every
member of the tribe, male or female, has imprinted on his
or her person on arriving at puberty a mark which identifies
the class to which he or she belongs. This statement, I think,
requires confirmation before it can be accepted. The follow-
ing are the names of the classes in the Yukkaburra tribe,
with their crests or totems, of which some have two: —
Utheroo - . . . Crest— Emu or carpet snake.
Multheroo - - - - Crest — Iguana.
Yungaroo - - - . Cresfh-Opossum.
Goorgilla - - . . Crest— Scrub turkey.
NATAL DOWNS STATION, CAPE RIVER. . 469
These class-names are given in the masculine gender;
when applied to women, each has a feminine termination or
equivalent.
Many words in the Eneby vocabulary are commonly met
with as far as Broad Sound. In the vocabulary of these
tribes are also words prevalent on the Upper Flinders. The
word munkine, young woman, is found on the Norman River,
on Spear Creek, at Cleveland Bay, at Townsville, and other
places. Amongst the Additional Words will be foitnd
bomar = beat, which is met with on the Burnett and also in
Western Australia but slightly altered.
The territory of the Pegulloburra, Mr. Chatfield informs
me, was first occupied as a station in 1863, but the tribe was
not what is technically called let in until 1868. Generally,
after the first occupation of a tract of country by a settler,
from three to ten years elapse before the tribe or tribes to
which the land has belonged from time immemorial is let in,
that is, is allowed to come to the homestead, or seek for food
within a radius of five or ten miles of it. During this period
the squatter's party and the tribe live in a state of warfare;
the former shooting down a savage now and then when
opportunity ofi'ers, and calling in the aid of the Black Police
from time to time to- avenge in a wholesale way the killing
or frightening of stock off the run by the tribe. Acting on
the well-known feature of aboriginal ethics, that every male
stranger is an enemy, who must, if possible, be slain, the
Queensland Grovernment has largely availed itself of its
aboriginal population for the jpurpose of punishing aboriginal
agressions. The stereotyped proceedings which follow the
taking up of a run may be described in this way, and if I
mention them, it is only on the chance that further publicity
— for they are well known — may possibly contribute to the
adoption of more humane measures.
When the settler then locates his stock on a piece of
country hitherto in the sole possession of a tribe, the roots,
grass-seeds, and game on which the people habitually live
quickly fail. Then come hunger and also anger, for amongst
470 . THE AUSTRALIAN RACE :
themselves the hunting or gathering of food by a tribe on
land which does not belong to it is always considered a
casus belli by the rightful proprietors; just as in our case to
take or destroy a neighbour's sheep or cabbages is a punish-
able act. Then some cattle are speared, or frightened off
the run by the mere presence of the Blacks in search of
food. In either of these events the Blacks are attacked
and some of them shot down. In revenge, a shepherd
or ' stockman is speared. Recourse is then had to the
Government; half-a-dozen or more young Blacks in some
part of the colony remote from the scene of the out-
rage are enlisted, mounted, armed, liberally supplied
with ball cartridges, and despatched to the spot under the
charge of a Sub-inspector of Police. Hot for blood, the Black
troopers are laid on the trail of the tribe ; then follow the
careful tracking, the surprise, the shooting at a distance
safe from spears, the deaths of many of the males, the
capture of the women, who know that if they abstain from
flight they will be spared ; the gratified lust of the savage,
and the Sub-inspector's report that the tribe has been
'^dispersed," for such is the official term used to convey the
occurrence of* these proceedings. When the tribe has gone
through several repetitions of this experience, and the chief
part of its young men' been butchered, the women, the
remnant of the men, and such children as the Black troopers
have not troubled themselves to shoot, are let in, or allowed
to come to the settler's homestead, and the war is at an end.
Finally, a shameful disease is introduced, and finishes what
the rifle began. The PeguUoburra were not let in until 1868,
having in the interim, Mr. Chatfield says, "been murdered
bj Whites and Native Police wherever seen." When they
were let in, there were only 125 able-bodied men left, the
numbers of the women -and children being considerably
greater. Measles also ravaged the tribe, so that the
PelguUoburra at the time of Mr. Chatfield's writing
reckoned only thirty men, fifty women, and some few
children, for infanticide has become general amongst them.
NATAL DOWNS STATION, CAPE RIVER. 47 L
Amongst the whole of the six hurra, or tribes, there still
remained, however, in 1880 at least 200 men, and a much
larger number of women.
A good many of this tribe, both men and women, lived,
as far as my informant could judge, to be fifty or sixty years
of age. Some of them have opossum-rugs, with which
they cover themselves at night, but none use any cover-
ing during the day, and, as usual in the north, all sleep
surrounded by several small fires. Their principal orna-
ments are sea shells, worn in the hair and round the neck,
which they obtain by barter from the Kokleburra or
Wokkulburra tribes, which occasionally visit the sea-coast.
At corroborees they also wear waist-belts made of opossum-
fur, chaplets of the teeth of wild dogs or kangaroo, and also
■plumes of feathers. Of course they smear the person with
grease whenever they can get it, for this is a custom common
to the whole of the Australian tribes ; besides, they paint
themselves at corroborees with red ochre and pipe-clay, and
rub the skin with charcoal when in mourning.
Of nets they have several descriptions, manufactured from
the bark of the Kurrajong-tree ; kangaroo nets, wallaby nets,
and fishing nets. Fish-hooks are unknown. They have also
vessels of wood and bags of bark in which they carry water.
The bags in which they convey their few belongings when
on the march are made of grass; and what little sewing they
do is with the common bone awl, the needle being unknown.
Their knives are of flint, chipped and never ground to an
edge. Their chisel consists of a handle of wood, about six
inches long, which is split at one end, has a flake of flint or
volcanic glass inserted in the split, and is then tied and
covered with gum or beeswax. Sometimes the flint is merely
fastened to the end of the stick with gum or wax, without a
split. Their tomahawks are of diorite, first chipped and
then ground sharp at the edge, with handles of vines, split
and bent once round the stone, and secured where they meet
with a seizing of twine, wax being thickly laid on to prevent
slipping. Throughout the continent, as far as is known.
472 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
there is always a difficulty in uniting the heads of toma-
hawks and chisels with their handles, which is partly met
by the use of wax or gum. Mr. Chatfield thinks that toma-
hawk-heads which are picked up underground are merely
unfinished articles, and not tools of an earlier date, as some
have supposed. He adds — " There is a large quarry thirty
miles from this with thousands of unfinished flawed toma-
hawks lying about, as is also the case in many of the camps
for miles around. May not many of the unpolished stone .
hatchets of the so-called Palaeolithic period consist of rejected
articles such as these ? Tn Figuier's Primitive Man, page
154, figure 108, there is a drawing of a rubber for making
tomahawks and bone needles, and did I not know where the
stone represented was found, I should have thought it came
from this run. Before we introduced iron tools, every camp
had a stone of this kind." A curious implement of this
tribe is the emu-call, a hollow piece of wood about two feet
long and three inches in diameter, partially closed with wax
at the small end. By blowing through this they make a
sort of bellowing sound, sufficiently like the emu's voice to
attract the bird at night within spear range or inside of
kangaroo nets which have been set for the purpose. This
call is not very common. Amongst their belongings are
also head-bands made of strong cobwebs, and others of spun
opossum fur, and waist bands of the last named material ;
also small fringes worn round their middles by the women
on festive occasions.
Hence the love, of ornamental covering exists, whilst the
first claims of decency are nearly, but not entirely, disre-
garded. That there survives, even amongst people who have
never worn any covering, an occasional shame of nakedness,
I have noticed myself ; and one of my Barcoo correspondents,
speaking of a tribe with which he is acquainted, remarks the
same thing. Men and women seem never entirely to forget
their nakedness.
Of the weapons of the tribe, one is the boomerang which
returns when thrown. Mr. Chatfield describes it as flat on
NATAL DOWNS STATION, CAPE RIVER'. 473
one side and convex on the other, as usual. On the convex
side is carved a diamond-shaped pattern or one of parallel
zig-zag lines, after the usual style of the ahoriginal artist.
Their spears are light ones of grass-tree (or, perhaps, partly
of grass-tree, as in the South), thrown with the wommera,
and heavy wooden ones thrown by hand. Some of both kinds
are barbed. In some cases the barbs are cut out of the soHd,
and in others made of a piece of- hard wood, or of a flint, or
a fish-bone, or a porcupine quill, neatly lashed to the point.
Spears which are not barbed are covered with the gum of the
gidyah-tree, which is supposed to aggravate the wound, a
circumstance which reminds us of the poisoned arrows of
some savages.
Mr. Chatfield adds, as worthy of remark, that the tribes of
the Nogoa and Dawson, though they sometimes meet the Cape
River tribes at Peak Downs, never use the wommera, though
they have plenty of grass-trees to make light spears of ; and
do not barb their spears, which remark he also extends to
the Wide Bay, Brisbane, and Burnett tribes. Any one who
has had what I may call a general experience of the race, how-
ever, must have noticed that, though an intense family like-
ness in customs prevails throughout, most tribes have some
peculiarities to which they cling with much pertinacity.
Another weapon of these tribes is a wooden sword, about
three feet six inches in length, which much resembles a
boomerang in shape, and is wielded with both hands. They
have also clubs of many varieties, each of which, as usual,
has a distinct name. They have likewise shields. Their
weapons are always colored.
The food of these tribes is very various. Amongst other
articles they have emu, kangaroo, wallaby, opossums, snakes,
and birds ; in fact, all living things found in their country.
But each season of the year has its particular article of food.
At one time there is the nut of a cycas, which is prepared
by first steeping in water, then roasting, and finally grinding
like wheat, and cooking like our dampers. At another
season there is the root of a water-lily, and also its seed.
474 ■ . THE AUSTRALIAN RACE :
which is ground, and looks something like rice. Wild
honey is likewise obtained in considerable quantities. In
winter they have a sort of yam, and so on. As usual, there
are many restrictions connected with food.. Emu and eels,
for instance, are eaten only by full-blown warriors. Eggs
are prohibited to young men and young women. Much of
the food is cooked by means of heated stones in extemporized
ovens. The more permanent ovens, or ash-heaps of the
South, are not found in the PeguUoburra country. No
marks of small-pox exist in these tribes. Cannibalism is of
undoubted but of rare occurrence. For instance, should a
fat man fall from a tree and break his neck, he is eaten.
Marriages are regulated within the tribe by classes, men
exchanging their daughters and sisters for females of the
proper classes, who become their wives. Women are also
exchanged with other tribes, and sometimes acquired by
capture. When the country was first settled by us, many
of the men were in" possession of two wives, whilst some had
sis, and the majority none.
Female children become wives at seven and mothers at
twelve years of age. Widows, if not too old, go to brothers
of their defunct husbands, or in default are seized upon by
some strong man. The women rear (or used to do) about
three children each, which belong to the tribe of the father,
but to the class of the mother. Infanticide has much
increased since the coming of the Whites; prior to that
only such children were destroyed as their mothers were
unable to carry with them on the march.
The principal diseases are those usually introduced by
the Whites and consumption, and of late years the low
feVer from which the Whites in those parts suffer, which
used to be but little known amongst the tribe in their wild
state.
These Cape River tribes, like perhaps all others, scar
their persons. The operation is performed with a flint, and
the wound filled -with feathers or down. Men scar their
NATAL DOWNS STATION, CAPE RIVER. 475
backs and shoulders in this way; the women are scarred
shghtly between the breasts and across the stomach. Scars
are made generally on the left thigh both of the men and
women, continues Mr. Chatfield, but occasionally on the
right, for the purpose of denoting the particular class to
which they belong ; but as such a practice would conflict with
the custom prevalent throughout the continent, as far as
known, which is to make these marks for ornament alone,
the statement cannot be received without further evidence.
The tribe does not circumcise, nor does that rite obtain at
any place, says my informant, mthin one hundred and fifty
miles of their country. A front tooth used always to be
knocked out, but, like other native customs, this one has
been going out of vogue since the coming of the Whites.
Mr. Chatfield informs me that the Cape Eiver tribes, ot
which we are speaking, have a vivid belief in a future life.
When a Blackfellow dies whose actions during life have
been what they hold to be good, he is said to ascend to
Boorala {i.e., to the Creator, literally good), where he lives
much as he did on earth, less the usual terrestrial discomforts.
The Milky Way, which is called Tugar {i.e., smoke), is said
to be the smoke proceeding from celestial grass, set fire to
by departed women, who by this signal direct the ghosts of
the deceased. (as they did their husbands of old to their bush
camp) to the eternal camp-fires of the tribe. It is strange
that the Eucla people, so far away, should also regard the
Milky Way as connected with themselves, as well as the
Narrinyeri tribe.* To the man who has led a bad life, death
is thought to be simple annihilation. Goin, the evil spirit,
is said to be an old mau, with claws like an eagle and feet
like an alligator, who occasionally, in the dark, tears people
to pieces. They much fear the ghosts of their departed
kinsfolk, and, if they think one is near, will sometimes rush
at night from their camps in the wildest dismay, each to
hide where best he can.
* See Taplin's Folklm-e, p. 39.
476 THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
In sandstone caves, which are numerous in their country,
the PeguUoburra make drawings of emu and kangaroo, and
also imprints of their hands daubed with red. These latter
are found on the almost inaccessible faces of the white
sandstone cliffs. On the Cape Eiver, these red hands are
called beera, a word which Mr. Chatfield correctly says
means hand on the Burnett, 500 miles south. About these
red hands he could never get any information, but circum-
stances which he mentions led him at last to conjecture that
they are connected with some superstitious custom or belief.
This, however, I think, needs confirmation, and I fancy my
informant was mistaken ; for we know that to made imprints
of their feet on sand or muddy ground is common to the
Blacks, little and big, everywhere ; and also to imprint their
greasy hands on any object which will receive the impression.
I have often noticed that the sight of such impressions gives
them pleasure, and I look on the practice as an early stage
of that love of art which is inherent in man. By pictures
and images the Australian is greatly attracted.
The PeguUoburra are a tallish people, with straight hair
generally, and some few curly heads incline to be woolly.
The practice of making young men by secret ceremonies is in
vogue. When a man dies, his heart, bowels, liver, &c., are
taken out and buried in the ground. The corpse is buried
separately. After three or four weeks it is disinterred, and
any flesh which may be left cleaned off the bones. The skull
and bones are then generally broken and tied up in ti-tree
bark. Over these for a few nights there is much lamenting.
The parcel of bones is then placed on a platform made- in a
tree, where it remains for three months or so. After that,
the female relatives of the deceased, if he have any, carry the
bones about thus tied up until tired of the encumbrance, or
until they have ceased to cherish the memory of the deceased.
The bodies of boys, women, and girls are sometimes buried
and sometimes burnt. But little ceremony and one good
cry take place. Immediately after a death, the camp is
shifted for fear of ghosts.
NATAL DOWNS STATION, CAPE RIVER.
477
The causes of war are the murder of stragglers, the
stealing of -womeh, but, alaove all, the belief in deaths from
incantations. When both sides are tired of killing stragglers,
and have haid enough of war, the fighting-men hold a council,
and choose two or three to meet the other side. The matter
is then arranged, and the weaker party give some nets and
women to make matters up.
The practice of sending a notched stick with a messenger
to another tribe is in use. Mr. Chatfield expresses himself
as having a fancy that there are some faint traces of
freemasonry amongst the tribe. He has not seen or heard
of any Albinos. Witchcraft is practised. Old m6n pretend
to extract crystals from the bodies of the sick by sucking.
Amongst the Pegulloburra there is a vague tradition
that their country once belonged to another tribe whom their
ancestor conquered. Many of the names of places in their
territory are those given by the- former occupants, and
have meanings ; as moonyor-moonya = bats ; wolomina =
_ cr mi -place; kurgiringa = Hawks' -place, and so on. In
counting, the fingers and sometimes the toes are used to
represent numbers. Mr. Chatfield gives the following
Additional Words : —
Adbitional Words.
Kangaroo net
boojoroo, boo-
A stick
- tular.
garoo.
Flowers
- mujiga.
Wallaby net
wyang.
Lily root -
- coomy.
Fish net
mabbe.
Lily seed
- pundy,. pundoo.
Net worn on fore -
tarwoo.
Cabbage-tree
- ungun.
head
Bottle-tree
- binge.
Net baga made of
widgee
Mulga-tree ■
- boonaroo.
grass
Gidyah-tree
- coobarool.
Men's waist-belt
moogooba.
Yams -
- monilla, cuthia
Fringe worn as an
womby.
Cycas nut
- deweel.
apron by the
Rock kangaroo
- kargool.
women
Forest wallaby
- tomba.
Spinifex
mungnlla.
Rook wallaby
- gooniooloo.
Tree - _ -
boboro.
Kangaroo-rat
- wier.
Leaves
di-i.
Flying squirrel
- mungoroo.
478
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE
Bush rat
Rabbit-rat
Flying fox
Porcupine
Bandicoot
Iguana
Alligator
iguana)
Dew or Jew lizard
Lice -
Wooden ' water
vessel
Bone needles or
Additional Woii,i)S--continiied.
Diamond snake -
Water snake
Black-head snake
Deaf adder
Black snake
(long
mabberoo.
tubberoo.
goondi.
bubbera.
uguUa.
tukkin.
tukkina.
Flakes of flint -
Emu-call
Flint knife -
Chisel
Opossum-rug
A spear barb
Grass-tree spear -
Sword
NuUa-nuUa or club
Honey
Three sorts of
wild bees
Pigeon
Common hawk -
Sparrow-hawk -
Quail
Scrub turkey • -
Bat-
ch dear !
Feathers
Snake in general -
Carpet snake
Green snake (tree)
Brown snake
bungara.
kooleen.
egara.
pegooroo.
tarine (i.e.,
sharp),
boothera.
kunga.
tango, tangoroq.
coomby.
minke.
culga.
quinkum.
mirroo,
dimmy-dimmy,
bullen-buUen.
carpa.
carpa, wothul,
gooara.
marmala.
peiga.
kurgine.
burrandool.
coocoobeen (i.e.,
eggs),
moonya- moonya.
yukkii I
boona.
moonda.
carbool.
warrowa.
yabbeya.
"Black bream
Eel -
Dew-flsh
Fresh-water
turtle
Throat
Chest
Arms -
Lower part of leg
Knee and elbow -
The liver -
Togo
To sing
To hear
To hunt
To smell -
To flog
To beat (to excel)
To come back
To bite
To pretend -
To tie up -
To cry
To cooee
To wipe
To lose
To laugh -
To hide
To dream -
To kill
Scrub
Plains
Charcoal
Ashes
Perspiration
moongilly.
ammoondoro
goyogoro.
munnum.
coobree.
weaner.
wakul.
doongooloo.
congerree.
booa.
toonga.
peigar.
yungera.
magia.
yarkery.
ninbago.
mombo.
walloogo,
nuggalee.
yimgundiana.
ninde go
wummera.
boomali.
yandogoingalle.
curraburra.
ugatharingo.
ondigano.
barry
congul.
ongo.
umbuUy.
yie.
niroo.
pidgoring.
goondaty.
muther.
burguUa.
mether.
booan.
culgara.
NATAL DOWNS STATION, CAPE RIVER.
479
Additional Wo
BDS — continued.
White- - - bumbera.
There or here - uUe.
Black - - - coorebila.
Where ? - - undee ?
Red - - - nameroo.
A long way - yurgo.
Green - - boorba.
Near - - - yathan.
Grey - - - bingara.
Fight - ■ - uthuUa,
Sand ■ - - 9ulba;.
I have had enough bunner uthuUa.
A sandy creek - culbara.
to eat; literally.
A native hut - bulgunna.
stomach-tight
Salt-water or- sea- commo cungal,
Tii'ed - - - dilnurra.
ooogera.
A large person - ballongo.
A young woman - munkine.
A wild person - bungineme.
A maid - . - oolbo.
Long - - goorgan.
Uncle T ■ - mamy.
Short - - - wapitu.
Aunt - - - tabina.
Quick - - - wokker.
Male cousin - kungun.
To break - - coongelee.
Female cousin - kunguna.
To tumble down - coongeringo.
Husband - - goongul.
Begone. - - munga-munga.
God, also good - boorala.
Go on - - - umbaga.
Evil spirit ■ - goee, goin.
New - - - yagilla.
A bad man • - murre goee.
Old - - - coolbaroo.
Ghost - ■ - yungal.
Stop - - - mungoindee.
The Milky Way ■ tugar(lit. smoke).
Sharp - - - tarrine.
The Southern goondooloo (lit.
What is yovtr uumbera inder ?
Cross emu).
name?
Pleiades - - munkine (lit. a
What is your annyburra inder?
young woman).
tribe?
Mine - - - ichu. *
Sunset - - kie burra.
Yours- - - uno.
Sunrise - - kie wedera.
Come here - - uUumbago.
Noon - - - kie kungat.
Put down - - star.
Lightning - - betmallen.
Names of Men.
Names of Eemales.
YuTigadoo.
Woolinu.
Moogathoo.
Bingwee.
Tbomble.
Nunguree.
Moimoorga.
Bubalinga.
Moorgan.
Indalinga.
Tandeningo.
Emar.
Indamingo.
Pinchallu.
BuUamiago.
Toonombinga. .
Bibinothe.
Milga.
Goonbody.
Nooky.
These names are said to have no meaning.
480
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 131.— CAPE RIVER.
By p. M. Tompson, Esq.
Kangaroo -
hoora.
Hand -
- bu-ka.
Opossum
thung-er-oo.
2 Blacks -
Tame dog -
noota.
3 Blacks -
Wild dog -
One -
Emu -
gun-du-la.
Black duck -
coo-Md-dy.
Two -
buller.
Wood duck -
now-wow.
Three ■
goolburra.
Pelican
bool-loo.
Four -
moorga.
Laughing jackass
ka-koo-burra.
Father . -
yabbo.
Native companion gool-du-ra.
White cockatoo - dick-a-ry.
Mother
yung-er.
Crow -
wuth-a.
Sister-Elder
goothoona.
Swan -
(none).
,, Younger
Egg - - ■
wun-buUa.
Brother-Elder
cu-than.
Track of a foot
wun-da.
„ Youngei
Fish -
coo-e-yu.
A young man
cowla.
Lobster
(none inland).
An old man
brin-gul-lo.
Crayfish
(unknown).
An old woman
boorrung-un
Mosquito -
cooa.
A baby
gundoo.
Fly .
nin.
A White man
coo-in.
Snake -
moon-da.
The Blacks -
murry.
Children
cul-burroo.
A Blaokfellow
Head -
cuth-a.
A Black woman
noolba.
Eye -
thilly.
Nose -
nindy.
Bar -
wuUoo.
NATAL DOWNS STATION, CAPE- RIVER.
481
No. 131.^Capb River — continued.
Mouth
- thar.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth -
- e-ar.
mil -
-
Hair of the head
- boo-e-lia6.
Wood -
- thoo-la.
Beard -
- ren-ga.
Stone -
- burray.
Thunder -
- moo-ral-la.
Camp -
- yam-ba.
Grass -
- bookun.
Yea -
- ya.
Tongue
- thuUi.
No -
- cur-ra.
Stomach
- bunna.
I
- i-ar.
Breasts
- am-moon.
You - - •
- yin-da.
Thigh
- thur-ra.
Bark -
- bul-gun.
Foot -
- thin-na.
Good -
- thur-ril.
Bone -
- bul-bun.
Bad -
- muc-coo-ra.
Blood -
- coo-ma.
Sweet -
- goon-gil-win.
Skin -
- bit-ty.
Pood -
- mun-dar-uri.
Fat -
- thum-my.
Hungry
- cun-gun-oo.
Bowels
- yung-er-um.
Thirsty
- eu-ka.
Excrement -
- goona.
Eat - -
- bun-jul.
War-spear -
- cul-ga.
Sleep -
- oo-ka.
Reed-spear -
- coo-be-roo.
Wommera or
thoo-miilla,.
Drink -
- brung-gul.
throwing-stiok
Walk -
- thoo-a.
Shield ■ -
- cool-merry.
See -
- nuth-uUa.
Tomahawk -
- balgo.
Sit
- in da.
Canoe -
- koo-ga.
Yesterday -
- coom-bool-
Sun -
- cur-ray.
boong-a
Moon -
- bul-la-no.
To-day
- ad-gilla.
Star -
- buth-oo.
To-morrow -
- we-dar-roo.
Light -
- bun-ney.
Where are the
murry-un-da ?
Dark -
- coo-ra.
Blacks?
Cold -
- we-da.
I don't know
- unda-wira.
Heat -
- wTil-lee-ry.
Plenty
- coor-un-by.
Day - -
- ad-ge-la.
Big -
- boonga.
Night -
- goo-rung-a.
Little -
- wab-ba-roo.
Fire -
- bur-ree.
Water
- com-mo.
Dead -
- goon-ga.
Smoke
- thoog-er.
By-and by -
- thuc-co.
Ground
- nanny.
Come on
- cow-a.
Wind ■
- ebur.
Milk -
-
Rain - -'
- tha-cow.
Eaglehawk -
-
God -
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
Wife -
VOL. II.
2
H
482
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 131.— CAPE RIVER.
By Wm. Chatmeld, Jun,
Kangaroo ■
Oposaum
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu -
Black duck -
Wood duck -
Pelican
Laughing jackass
Native companion
White cockatoo -
Crow -
Swan - ■ -
Egg -
Track of a foot -
Fish ■ -
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
Fly - - -
Snake -
The Blacks -
A Blackfellow -
A Black woman -
Nose -
oora.
tungaroo.
wunti,'moora.
wunti.
goondooloo.
oooberri.
ungue.
booloon.
go-goberri.
kooltheroo.
teroon or
deegoon.
wathuu.
(none),
koocoobeen.
diner,
goyo.
(none),
cunder.
boothun.
nein.
moonda.
murri.
murri.
wongo, munkine.
ninde.
Hand
- muUa.
2 Blacks -
-
3 Blacks -
-
One -
- wigin.
Two -
- bullaroo.
Three -
- goolburra.
Pour or more
- moorga.
Father
- yaboo.
Mother
- yunguTia.
Sister -Elder
- koothoona.
,, Younger
-
Brother-Elder
- cuthun.
„ Younger wabo.
A young man
- cowla.
An old man
■ boorgam.
An old woman
■ boorgam.
A baby
-
A White man
- macro.
Children -
- cundoojwongora
Head -
- kutha.
Eye -
■ dille.
Ear -
- walloo.
NATAL DOWNS STATION, CAPE RIVER.
483
No. 131. — Cape River — continued.
Mouth-
- mai.
Teeth
- ear.
Hair of the head
- kuthy.
Beard -
- unga or yarrang
Thunder -
- pulbine.
Grass -
- boorgan, mooloo
Tongue
- tarrine.
Stomach
- bunner.
Breasts
- ammoona.
Thigh- -
- yungra.
Foot -
- diner.
Bone -
- bulbun.
Blood - -
- kooma, goor.
Skin - -
- peetee.
Fat -
- tommi.
Bowels
-
Excrement •
- goonna.
War-spear -
- moorga.
Reed-spear -
-
Wommera or
tumuUa.
throwing-stick
Shield- -
- koobnurray.
Tomahawk -
- polgo.
Canoe -
Sun -
- kurri, kie.
Moon -
- buUanoo, kug-
gera.
Star - -
- buthi.
Light -
Dark -
Cold -
- wera.
Heat -
- kie.
Day -
- quongolu.
Night - -
Fire -
- burry.
Water
kommo, ammoo.
Smoke-
■ tugar.
Ground
- nannee.
Wind- -
ebara.
Raia -
yoongaloo.
God . . .
boorala.
Ghosts
youngal.
Boomerang -
- wongul.
Hill -
- byee.
Wood
- tular.
Stone -
- byee.
Camp -
- yaambaa.
Yea -
- yie, yee.
No -
- kurra.
I
- ia.
You -
- iuda.
Bark -
- goga.
Good -
- boorala.
Bad -
- wotoru.
Sweet
Pood -
- murga, munda.
Hungry
- congono.
Thirsty
- commo boomul
Eat -
- bungul.
Sleep -
- umbera.
. Drink
- boomul.
Walk -
- denergo.
See -
- naggalee.
Sit -
- biuda.
Yesterday -
To-day
To-morrow -
- werowa.
Wbere are the
murri undee ?
Blacks?
I don't know
- inuggalu kurra
Plenty
- moorga.
Big - -
- buUongo.
Little -
• wapitu.
Dead -
- goonga.
By-and-by -
-
Come on
- wingialla.
Milk -
- ammoona.
Eaglehawk
- coorathuUa,
cooraga
Wild turkey
- burkum.
Wife -
- pigoona.
B
[2 •
484
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 132.— RAVENSWOOD, UPPER BURDEKIN.
By W. H. Kent, Esq.
Kangaroo -
woora.
Hand -
-
Opossum
meerambera.
2 Blacks -
_
Tame dog -
Wild dog -
Emu -
ngoora.
goondooloo.
3 Blacks -
One -
-
Black duck -
Two -
-
Wood duck
Three -
-
Pelican
booloongurra.
Four -
.
Laughing jackass
kookooburra.
Father
_
Native companior
White cockatoo -
Crow -
thickeree.
Mother
Sister-Elder
-
Swan -
,, Younger
■
Egg . - -
wanraurra.
Brother-Elder
-
Track of a foot -
Pish -
Lobster
Crayfish
Mosquito -
Ply ■ -
wena,
, , Younger
A young man
An old man-
An old woman •
A baby
guhnburra
Snake -
cahbool.
A White man
-
The Blacks -
Children
-
A Blackfellow -
Head -
-
katha.
A Black woman
Eye -
-
taiie.
Nose -
mamboo.
Ear -
.
walloo.
RAVENSWOOD, UPPER BURDEKM.
485
No. 132
— Ravenswood, Upper Buedekin-
—contimied.
Mouth
Boomerang -
- boonool.
Teeth - - :
yerra.
Hill -
-
Hair of the head
Wood
- wongal.
Beard ■
•
Stone -
- burrie.
Thunder -
Camp -
-
Grass -
Yes -
-
Tongue
tuUi.
No • -
-
Stomach
banna.
I
,
Breasts
You -
-
Thigh - - -
ngurgo.
Bark - '-
-
Foot -
teera.
Good -
-
Bone -
Bad -
_
Blood -
Skin -
Fat -
Bowels
Excrement -
War-spear -
gooma.
- koonna.
- buggurra.
. Sweet -
Food -
Hungry
Thirsty
Eat -
- bunjuU.
Reed-spear -
Sleep -
-
Wommera or
Drink -
-
throwing-stick
Shield -
- goolmurri.
Walk -
See -
Tomahawk -
Sit -
-
Canoe
Sun -
Moon - ■ -
Star -
Light -
Dark -
Cold - -
- kurrie.
- -kuggurra.
- woora.
Yesterday -
To-day
To-morrow -
Where are i
Blacks ?
I don't know
.he
Heat -
Plenty
-
Day -
Big -
-
Night - -
Little -
Fire -
- booree.
Dead -
-
Water
Smoke
Ground
Wind - -
Rain -
God -
- kurra.
- mooloo.
- eburra.
- kamo.
By-and-by -
Come on
Milk -
Eaglehawk -
Wild turkey
- bandurra.
- thoona gongall
Ghosts
.
Wife -
-
486
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 133.— MOUNT BLACK.
FOKWAEDED BY THE GoVBBNMENT OP QUEENSLAND.
Of the manners • and customs of .the Oriba-Kulba tribe I'
received a short account in 1881 from, the Government of
Queensland. In it, however, there is -nothing worthy of
note, except that the sole survivors of the tribe were two
men and five women, and that no marks of small-pox
existed amongst them. Accompanying the account of the
tribe were also two vocabularies, which agree so well that I
have only inserted 'one of them. The following Additional
Words were also given: —
Girls -
- marbura.
We -
- ngana.
Husband -
- koorangle.
They - -
- tanna.
Frog -
Neck -
- pugarin.
- manno.
He, she
- noola.
Opossum-cloak
- kumbi.
When, where
- unda.
No. 133.— MO
DNT BLACK.
Kangaroo -
- yoori.
Hand -
- murra.
Opossum -
- kathurra.
2 Blacks -
- poolari ngoomba
Tame dog -
- kowla.
3 Blacks -
- koolkurra •
Wild dog -
- kowla (?)
ngoomba.
Emu -
Black duck -
Wood duck -
- koondoolo.
- yamaroo.
- tipia.
One -
Two -
- anga.
- poolari.
Pelican
- bulloon.
Three -
- koolkurra.
Laughing jackass kowragurra.
Four -
'- toorko.
Native companion nOgorabal.
Father
- aboo.
White cockatoo
- tingari.
Mother
- ammi.
Crow - ■ -
- wokkun, wog-
Sister-Elder
- yungoian, auta.
Swan -
gan.
, , Younger
- amberoian.
■
Brother-Elder
- mukkidoo.
Egg - -
Track of a foot
- kotoo.
- pakula.
„ Younger talboo.
Fish -
- koio.
A young man
- tipukkal.
Lobster • -
- reri-reri, mokin.
An old man
- orabarbi.
Crayfish -
- tararukau.
An old woman
- koolaloo.
Mosquito -
- kaika.
A baby
- moolooramo.
Fly -
- nenga.
A White man
- mikkolo.
Snake -
The Blacks -
- tumbal.
- ngoomba-kora.
Children -
A Blackfellow
- ngoomba.
Head -
- katta.
A Black woman
- mungan.
Eye -
- telle.
Noae -
- ko, koo.
Ear -
- arlo.
MOUNT BLACK.
487
No. 133.— Mount 'Black.— continued.
Mouth
■ tu, taw.
Boomerang -
- wongal.
Teeth -
- yerra.
Hill -
- aboro, palkara
Hair of the head
- tingo tego.
Wood -
- toolani.
Beard -
- talba.
Stone -
- dalkara.
Thunder -
- pulbarri, pal-
Camp -
- yamba.
Grass -
- wombo, kolko.
Yes -
- yi, oroka.
Tongue
- tallavy.
No -
- kara.
Stomach
- banna, rolgo.
I-
- ngaia.
Breasts
- ooko, kao.
You -
- inda.
Thigh -
- tara.
Bark -
- bila.
Foot -
- tinna.
Good -
- pumbarra.
Bone -
Blood -
- pipo.
- kooma.
Bad -
- amgo.
Skin -
- ngoorokal.
Sweet -
- kauga.
Fat -
- toocha.
Food -
- mada, munda.
Bowels
- koomia, pooloo.
Hungry
- clung. .
Excrement -
War-spear -
- koomia.
- kalka.
Thirsty
- poomal.
Eeed-spear -
- pat r, tooka-
Eat -
- mutanyo.
bun.
Sleep -
- ookako.
Wommera or
pangila.
Drink -
- pitamyo.
throwing-stlck
Walk -
- makanyo.
Shield- -
Tomahawk -
- koobathal.
- ngoolan.
See -
- nakanyo.
Canoe -
- oolkooroo.
Sit -
- tamanyo.
Sun -
- oomba, ooba.
Yesterday -
- orokolongrega.
Moon -
- pulanoo.
To-day
- nila.
Star -
- yoko.
To-morrow -
- ^garlara.
Light -
- patchun, kar-
Where are
the undi ngoomba f
gauni.
Blacks?
Dark -
- tillingono.
I don't know
- audeaton.
Cold -
- wira-wira.
Plenty
- koora.
Heat -
- kanjara.
Big - -
- yoongo.
Day -
- uba, kurrangun.
Little -
- aboodjirro,
Night -
- ngona.
aburoo.
Fire -
- pori.
Dead -
- koongal, oolala.
Water
- kamoo, kam.
Smoke
- tooka.
By-and-by -
- karrka.
Ground
- nanni.
Come on
- arrauni.
Wmd-
- kindo'.
Milk -
- koodrarr.
Eain -
- ukun, yukan.
Eaglehawk
- korethaUa.
God -
.
Wild turkey
-
Ghosts
-
Wife -
-'perro, preko.
488
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
No. 134.— LOWER BURDEKIN.
By E. Cunningham, Esq., and F. J. Gokton, Esq.
In addition to the two vocabularies inserted of the Lower Burdekin
languages, I have received a third from W. Carr Boyd, Esq., which so
much resembles that of Mr. E. Cunningham, that I have not thought it
necessary to give it. ■
Kangaroo -
- hoora.
Hand -
- mobirra.
Opossum
- moonganna.
2 Blacks -
_
Tame dog •
. oogier.
3 Blacks -
.
Wild dog -
Emu -
Black duck t
- kowvverra.
- yammooroo.
One -
Two -
- warmina.
- blareena.
Wood duck -
- mumboogooba.
Three -
- kudjua.
Pelican
- boloona.
Four -
- kulburra.
Laughing jackass kowurgurra.
Father
- kiya.
Native companioit braroogan.
Mother
- younga.
White cockatoo
Crow -
Swan -
Egg - -
- digooi.
- wyaguna.
- woergerella.
- wyoorda.
Sister-Elder
„ Younger
Brother-Elder
- kootha.
- wabooa.
Track of a foot
- dooigooburra.
,, Younger
Fish -
- weenburra.
A young man
- karrebella.
Lobster
- koongooya.
An old man-
- booingermuima.
Crayfish
Mosquito -
Fly -
Snake -
- goombarroo.
- kowearoo.
- karoovella.
- oonguUaba.
An old woman
A baby
A White man
- boingergunna.
- muUererammoo.
- yooarroo.
The Blacks -
- murre.
Children
- erroomunna.
A Blackf ellow
.
Head -
- kurria.
A Black woman
- wurrungooa.
Eye -
- mudjura.
Nose -
urrooa.
Ear -
- awbilla.
LOWER BURDEKIN.
489
No. 134.— Lower Bhebekin— comtwiteti.
Mouth
da.
Boomerang -
-
Teeth
- irra.
Hill -
-
Hair of the head-
gunnarri.
Wood -
- doola.
Beard -
thungier.
Stone -
- burreea,
Thunder -
degoroo.
Camp -
- yaamba.
Grass -
wudthoor.
Yes -
- yea.
Tongue
thuUamia.
No -
- kurra.
Stomach
- bunboona.
I -
- iyooa.
Breasts
- woorga.
You -
- yindooa.
Thigh -
- toomburra.
Bark -
- bulgan.
Foot -
- dingooburra.
Good -
Bone -
- bulbanna.
Bad -
- kooyooa.
Blood-
- gwiburri.
Skm -
- yoolanna.
Sweet -
- kowangubba.
Fat -
- towia.
Food -
- igango.
Bowels
- gurroona.
Hungry
- nangoora.
Excrement -
- goonna.
Thirsty
- dthunginna.
War-spear -
- nirremoo.
Eat -
- igango.
Reed-spear -
- wollaburra.
Sleep -
- boogoora.
Wommera or
birrana.
Drink -
- bithungo.
throwing -stick
Walk -
- kunnaigo.
Shield
- goolmurri.
See -
- timmi.
Tomahawk -
- bulgooa.
Sit
- thunnango.
Canoe -
- kobbetheba.
Sun -
- burgdrri.
Yesterday -
- yambowerroe
Moon -
- bowarri.
To-day
- nilla.
Star -
- bunjoldi.
To-morrow -
- burgenda.
Light -
- burgungubba.
Where are
the ondia murre ?
Dark -
- wooroowobba.
Blacks ?
Cold - -
- didoora.
I don't know
- kurra mira.
Heat -
- towarroo.
Plenty
- qniarilla.
Day -
- woorabunda.
Big ■ -
-
Night -
- wooroonga.
Little -
- wa-baw-au-
Fire -
- wygunna.
boona.
Water -
- kowara.
Dead -
- waulgoona.
Smoke
- toogar.
By-and-by -
- thagoo.
Groiiud
- nannier.
Come on
- kowa.
Wind -
- quioona.
Milk - -
-
Rain -
- yoogana.
Eaglehawk -
God -
-
Wild turkey
Ghosts
-
Wife ■
-
490
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
No. 134.— LOWER BURDEKIN.
By F. J. GoKTON, Esq.
Kangaroo -
wootha.
Hand -
mulbroo.
Opossum
goong.
2 Blacks -
Tame dog -
minde.
3 Blacks -
Wild dog -
One -
Emu -
Black duck -
gocgidaloo. .
buggininulli.
Two -
Three -
bool.
ka.
Wood duck -
Pelican
Laughing jackass
detto.
booloon.
kookaburra.
Four -
Father
yaba, yabo
Native companion buberenuUi.
Mother
yanga.
White cockatoo -
bugina.
Sister-Elder
Crow -
wethergun.
„ Younger
Swan -
Brother-Elder ■
Egg -
Track of a foot -
werroo.
,, Younger
Pish -
kooia.
A young man
thillagal.
Lobster
goonaway.
An old man
bunganan.
Crayfish
An old woman -
bulnagun.
Mosquito -
dee.
A baby
Ply -
Snake -
The Blacks -
A Blackf ellow ■
wormbaloo.
A White man
Children
Head -
kabbon.
A Black woman
gungan.
Eye -
deburri
Nose -' -
woodroo.
Ear -
wobbilla.
LOWER BIIRDEKIN.
491
No. 134. — Lower Bttrdekin — continued.
Mouth
yawirra.
Teeth -
woonung.
Hair of the head
Beard -
- thungi."
Thunder -
- digoro.
Grass -
■: quwytho.
Tongue
-
Stomach
- boric.
Breasts
- wuggunna.
Thigh -
- toombur.
Foot -
- bulliger.
Bone -
-
Blood -
- moondtha.
Skin -
- uline.
Fat - -
- koonoo, goomo.
Boweln - '
- kullinga.
Excrement -
- goonna.
War-spear -
- woomburro.
Reed-spear -
-
Wommera or
throwiag-stick
Shield -
- gooldinare.
Tomahawk -
- nubanin.
Canoe -
- bettel-bettel.
Sun -
- kartri.
Moon -
-
Star -
- tor, bangala.
Light -
- •
Dark -
- moonoo.
Cold -
- detto.
Heat -
.
Day -
-
Night -
- woormooga.
Fire -
- booninin.
Water-
- thoolanoo.
Smoke
.
Ground
- numera
Wind -
- queeyoh.
Rain -
- broothi.
God -
.
Ghosts
-
Boomerang -
-
Hill -
-
Wood -
- duUa.
Stone -
- burtheroo.
Camp -
- yamba.
Yes ■
- umba.
No -
- kateka.
I
-
You -
-
Bark -
- boogoo.
Good -
-
Bad -
-
Sweet -
-
Pood -
-
Hungry
- kabbil.
Thirsty
-
Eat -
-
Sleep -
■ boogooroo.
Drink -
- bitthana.
Walk -
-
See -
- thimmi
Sit - -
- thunara.
Yesterday -
-
To-day
- nilla.
To-mprrow -
- burringa.
Where are the
Blacks?
I don't know
-
Plenty
-
Big - -
- wiarra.
Little -
- wabungam
Dead -
- wolgoon.
By-and-by -
■
Come on
-
JVIilk -
-
Eaglehawk -
-
Wilk turkey
-
Wife -
-
492
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE :
No. 135.— BUEDEKIN EIVEE^VAEIOUS TEIBES.
By the late J. Hall Scott.
The following vocabulary was one of many kindly forwarded
to me by P. E. Gordon, Esq., Chief Inspector of Stock,
Brisbane. It was drawn up, I am informed, by the late J.
Hall Scott, who collected the words indiscriminately from
the eleven following tribes: — Perenbba, Euronbba, Wal-
mundi, Bendalgubber, Cumarinia, Culbaingella, Cobblebob-
ber, Cartoolounger, Toolkemburra, Carbineyinburra, and
TinguljuUer: —
A.
Apple-tree -
towrowbilla.
Ant-hills -
culnba cummo.
Alligator -
tukunion.
Ant-eater -
burbeera.
Angry
colie-coogillie
crier.
Arm -
muUa.
Alive -
toomberee.
Blackfellow
murrey, mureer.
(old)
- moorabuun.
Beat -
coonda, coolunga,
balkunna.
Belonging to me
- iju, igoar.
,.you
innoo, innoor.
Beads -
cambourra.unerie,
coulgurra.
Blanket
combey, marbal
eooyarra,urunna.
Belly -
boulow, bunna-
bunna.
Boomerang -
■wungulla, naugal.
Ashes -
- culboo.
Ants -
- turinnia.
Anthill, Mt.
- yannuounda.
Abbot, Mt. -
- parkungga.
All of you -
- uva.
Armpit
- carbunna.
Altogether -
- norogul.
By-and-by
- kulkerpurtoo
ooombooloo.
Breast
- amoona.
Brother
- cooloona, outha
Breath
- adthou.
Break -
- ooondinga.
Bloodwood-tree
- cumbuburra.
Big, large -
- bonugunna.
Boy - . -
- walburra.
Box-tree
■ bilgurra.
Blood -
- coongar,
queberry,
coonoonurra,
cooma.
BURDEKIN RIVER.
493
B.
Blight
- boognlla.
By yourself
yuingya.
Break -
- ooolmunga.
Bird's nest -
yacko.
Bell -
- coolalinga, troun-
Belonging to him
noungow.
gurra.
Boat -
bullera.
Bite -
■ pattunga.
Burnt feed -
boodarra.
Blow -
- booubunga.
„ country -
boorboona.
Bed -
- coona.
Bathe - -
nanballuiger.
Black -
- cooroolbilla.
Behind
coora.
Brigalow ■
- bunnooroo.
Beech, Mt. -
talmaringga.
Bandicoot -
- ouiella.
Burdekin River —
Blow out (v.)
- ougarunbunga.
At Leichardt
camelinigga.
Bellow (cattle)
Beef -
Brush -
Blaokfellow —
Young -
Middle-aged
Butterfly -
Bone ■
- noongoona.
- tunjeera.
- neekalinga.
- cowalla.
- margurra.
- coolumbria.
- bulbuna.
dist.
Above Mt. Dal-
rymple
At Jarvisfield ■
Bowen (Port)
Both together
Black bream (fish
Barrowinnudi
(fish)
ounberubba.
mal-mal.
coondaudrabia.
eveller.
wOQJamunna.
bidjangubber.
Back -
- oungoulea.
Between
manner.
Boil -
- tingillener.
Bread-fruit
Dundee, dewal.
Bark of trees
- cooraroo, balkun.
Brand
toomberringa.
Catch -
(
- munna.
Coral-tree -
nurga.
Creek -
- peroo.
Cockatoo (white)
tekurray.
Come here -
- cowa.
Curlew
peyounga.
Cattle
- boomooalea, too- '
Chia -
unga.
moobra.
Cork-tree -
wadthon.
Cow - - •
- gJTineenna.
Coming to you -
indimga, ogod.
Calf ■
- micheninedibmer
,, this way
yamdoo.
Camp -
- youmba, kouoar,
Crow - ■ -
wattama.
yumbarlo.
Come on -
nooree.
Calabash
- igurra.
Cockatoo (black)
carundy.
Cry - -
- parreena.
Cry out
oungoonoo.
Cough
- carlunnia.
Cooee -
coongoona, cun
Chop -
- oulunna, bal-
gully.
goungOjWebulla,
Close -
beeree.
balbunga.
Cloud -
yunguUa.
Cut - -
- nardoo, nunga,
Centipede -
toongur.
patteminda.
Clay (white)
muggera.
494
THE . AUSTRALIAN RACE :
C.
Clay (red) -
- boonba.
Cape Station
- tingkerungga,
Cap -
balgoa-balgoa.
tingurra.
Cheek -
nallow.
Coming up (seeds) derabee.
Calf of leg -
yungiirra.
Cabbage-tree
•- bogga, bogga.
Cold -
wera.
Crane (gigantic)
- timgararer.
Cape Upstart
budgerungga.
,, (alate-col -
ored)
tidrooper.
Country (tim-
toolabea.
Charcoal
- mitta.
bered)
Chisel
- toonggoowongo.
Country (plain)
bargulla, pia.
Cloudy weather
- coongooror, unal-
Crooked
bungo, cungunna.
bingga.
Cover up -
cumballinger.
Come off
- ingnaringo.
Dalrymple, Mt.
1
boomarulla.
Dig -
- buggulla.
Dog -
ourungarung.
Done -
- wya, annoo.
Directly
tarkay, tago.
Deaf adder -
- wineudie.
Dray -
rowrer.
Diliy-bag -
- widgee.
Dead -
walgoonoo.
Dream
- pickhere.
Dead tree -
walla.
Drive -
- ouUerunga.
Drop -
bungunga.
Down -
- boolooroo.
Dive -
- moongaringia.
Door -
- dilli.
Day (one) -
warbinjella.
Dark -
- culbroo.
„ (two) -
boolarinjella.
Dry -
- walla.
„ (three or
cooburanjella.
Don't go away
- yuUa.
more)
Deep -
- mourga.
„ (great many
culberanjella.
'Duck -
- coobeeree.
Eye - - -
dilli.
Empty
- narranna, culgur.
Emu -
coondooloo.
Exclamation !
- yacki ! cowitchi 1
Ear -
walloo.
Eel -
- woggurry.
Eat -
eugunga. .
Egg - -
cunnoo.
Eyebrows -
- deena.
Finished
I
wya, annoo.
Eat (hard) -
■ tummier, goung.
Fire -
booree,
Feathers
- boolburrie.
wygunnia.
Finger-nails
- pekar.
Foot, foot-traoks-
dinna.
Fire-arms -
- ourrabia, mirka,
Fish -■ -
cooyou.
mergin.
Fat (soft) ■
carmoona.
Fishing-hook
- minkey.
BURDEKIN RIVER.
495
Figs (black)
yoombooroo.
Forehead -
yundee.
Fallen timber
coonburra.
Fresh -
yagilgar.
(dead)
Flood - " -
crunna.
Fly -
- neena.
Fill -
trikkunna.
Frog (water)
- coongunnia
Female
wumgoo.
„ (tree) -
- partiiroo.
First, front -
walga.
Footsteps up trees nindoo.
Fight -
- coonducki.
Flame -
- barginia.
Flowers
boolboona.
Forget
- Valloogolania.
Flour -
boorilla.
Frightened -
- ederunga, culgi,
Pishing net
mubbe.
boonoordun-
Fly -
coolmallinga.
gmner.
Fork (stick, tree)-
nulloo.
Father
- yaboona, kiyar.
Fin<i -
tingurra.
Fowl -
- cocobineai
Fruit (in sandal
werbinburra.
Flank -
- perinnia.
wood)
Fence -
- mirooloo, warra.
Fruit (Uke cocoa
barboora.
Foot (cattle)
- moolderania.
nut)
Grass (short)
G
- coomoona.
Great many
culburra,
Gin (young)
margnnmun,
margina.
wymarmgun.
Grub (of cedar-
tubburrie.
Girl - -
cumbriella.
tree)
Grass-tree -
boongurra.
Gate -
dilU.
Ground
nannie.
Gregory's Range
duarungga.
Grass (long)
cudjerra.
Grow -
tager.
Go on -
waggia.
Goose (wild)
ougooreller.
Give •
wooninga.
Glass (bottle)
boodooloo.
Grey hair -
boolboona, binga.
„ (to scrape
boodooloongo.
Game of all kinds
urie-urie.
with)
Going away
yagnnga, yarroo,
Good -
goodjilea.
coondoey.
Ghost -
quingunga.
cunnear.
J, country
armoungamouya
Hand -
H
muUa.
[.
Horns -
tekoo.
Hat -
werkie-werkie.
Hole (in ground)-
nooloona-una.
Hair .
oorie.
Hide (cattle)
beelbarra.
Head -
cutdd.
Hot (sun) -
ejeia.
Honeysuckle-tree munbo.
Hear -
imbunga.
Hornets
omburroo,
Hold -
murma.
boorgurrie.
Howl
wonggorra.
Heart -
tekoona.
Husband -
bulgin.
496
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE;
H.
Heat of sun
ounjanidoo.
Heavy-
ingurra.
Hut -
bulgunna.
Hole -
battee.
Heel - .
morunga.
Hair (short)
nidi.
Handkerchief (or
pengeroo.
Hailstones -
burbleburra.
any bit of cloth)
Hawk (Buzzard) -
beju.
How many -
unning-brurie.
„ (Eagle) -
cooleengy.
Holiday
cunguUa.
Honey-
carba.
Hand (right)
toolmallagunger.
Here -
nulalba, nala.
Hot -
tamboora.
Here it is -
yalarry.
Iron -
I,
minkey.
J.
Jew-fish
buyoora.
Ironbark-tree
cumbooroo.
Tukermann, Mt. -
ebee-ober.
Jump -
wonggalingga.
Jarvisfield -
mal-mal.
Inside -
I, me -
I don't know
oulounga.
iu (aye you),
kurrame.
Itch -
Ibis - - -
ekeer.
inigulduller.
I say -
nungo.
Iguana
tukkunnia.
Kill -
E
belganurr, par-
Kangaroo-rat
taldon.
chenna.
Know -
imber.
Kangaroo -
oog.
Kirknil Creek -
werbeelinda.
,, (female)
balbamma. -
Knife (to work oi
nunga, patter-
Knife -
me.
cut with)
munda.
Leg - -
I
boonguUa.
J.
Let go
eduTiga.
Large -'
boungunna.
Look out
eleereena.
Lily seed -
counda-counda.
Long -
uroolow.
Like this
yemmar.
Lose, lost -
ountarroo.
Lily seed (reed) -
talma.
Tiirard (tree)
wongoo,
Laugh -
-Laughing jackass
yattee.
cowergurra.
„ (sleeping)-
cummurrey.
wallunduUa, bun-
gurra.
bunbennia.
euermo.
- brenner.
toonginde.
Leiohardt tree
Lay down -
Long way off
Long time ago
cubattee.
wegoonunga.
cowwarry.
■ moree-moree-
bouden.
Light (not heavy
Leiohardt Downs
Leaves-
Lagoon (Dalrym
pie)
Lizard (Jew)
Louse -
Lightning -
Little -
- carmeeno.
- warbidgeroo-
aberoo.
- biuarra.
- coolena.
■Lend -
■ murrumbinger.
Lily roots -
- tourka.
Liver ■
- yachoorie.
Leave it
- wandonga.
BURDEKIN EIVER.
497
M.
Me - - -
in, igo.
Mount Elliott -
bungolunga.
„ (belonging to]
iju, igoer.
Morning
nooroobunda.
„ (belonging to
innoo, innoor.
Mother-in-law
waminder.
you)
Mother
Mangroves -
Mountain -
Muscles
Marbles (yam) ■
younger,
epeter.
parree.
carrunia, oudge-
gurri.
kiye.
Male -
Mine -
Me and you-
Melon -
Marble grounds-
Jar visfield
bommer.
oringa.
allee.
bumbarmbo.
tamboungga.
Moon -
karkurra,
Woodstock
coonarunga.
Mouth-
tunga.
Molonglo Creek -
booburymunda.
Moustache -
mooney.
Middle of the day
cunguUa.
Moreton Bay ash-
tooroolburra.
Make a fire -
ijounga boor-
tooroom.
ingga.
Mend -
pattilla.
Make a light
ijounga barjinn
Mosquito -
pekinna, tee, cun-
Moon (new)
nulla.
nadra.
„ (full)
bowwarrydulla.
Mud -
tubburra.
„ (setting)
tarkunga.
N.
Near -
NuUa-nuUa (or
club)
No -
Nonsense, lie
Nose ■ -
Native companion boowunia.
Night - - - nooroo.
New - - - yagil-como,
yagil-goo.
- beeree.
dimi-dimi.
- kurra.
- kutella,coonabia.
- mumboo.
Native robin
Neck -
Net (fishing)
,, (kangaroo)
Never -
diokadeera, dick-
angoura.
munno.
mobbee.
woogooroo.
raooreeroo.
Knife to work or nunga patter-
cut with nunda.
0.
Orange-tree
One •
Old (not new)
Over there -
Orange-tree-
VOL. II,
bingelinia
- wagin, weerber.
- moongunna,
moongun.
- moretella.
- onee.
- ulareenia.
Outside
Oak-tree
Opening in a hut;
door, window,
&c.
Over, top -
Open -
wandaranga.
turoo.
dim.
warna.
ouranga.
21
498
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
P.
Plenty-
- oulburra, mar-
Put in
-tukunna. .
giiie.
,, down -
edunga.
Pint pot or any
townjourna,
Pig-weed -
enena,
water vessel
dowlinga.
Push, press -
tanoonga.
Policeman -
- poolerymen.
Press down -
oringa.
Poplar-gum
- coomoobella.
Pour out ' -
culgur, culgur-
Parrot
- bera.
umbunger.
Pigeon
- yubburra.
Put. on
tuchumbanger.
Plum-tree -
- tebooroo,
oulubba.
Presently -
tago.
Pandanus-tree
- peckey.
Paunch
coona.
Pick up
- munnuga.
Play - ■
cuttinga..
Pelican
- booloongoora.
,, in the water
narballinger.
Picaninnyorbaby boogella.
Pheasant (swamp) bulboo.
Pinch -
- nimbunga.
Pull -
youlberringo.
Quick
Q.
- wogginggo, ilga pekilly, eiln>ia.
R.
Raw ■
- coongar, que-
Ride -
-
ooroo.
berry.
Ribs -
-
meeree.
Road -
Rush of water
Rain -
Rusty gun -
Ramrod
- yelga.
- ourunna.
- turgan.
- karkadalla.
- pekoona.
Rub •
Rump.-
Rat (white
Roundbaok
tail)
Mt.
- eurounga.
- mourgon, moula
- tooroo.
- deeryunga.
Red fig
- talloobooroo.
Rope -
- mirijouroo,
River gum -
- ourunna.
Rainbow
- toolgurra.
Run -
- wagga, delum-
burra.
Red cattle
- oungurra, cui-
jerra.
Red cloth -
- toolooberry.
Rat -
■
- tibbooroo.
Swelling
• boguUa.
Swim -
- wyeinnga.
Sun -
- cunjane.
Stink -
-
- boucar.
Shears
- bilgoora.
Station, Mount
- coolnungda.
Swallow
- bundalla.
Sit down
-
- dunna.
Steal -
- ouraringa,
Shirt -
- muUaberry.
Skin -
- cooraroo.
Sleep -
-
- oumburra.
BURDEKIN RIVBR.
499
S.
Sing -. -
iey, bairee.
Spit -
cunja.
Stars (small)
boongjouelbee.
Spider (red rump)
toolah barginia.
Spear (fighting)
milranna.
Snake (whip)
moonda.
„ (cattle)
- wyaninedoo.
Salt-pans -
edinda.
„ to(v.)
mu.nggunga.
Shouting in camp cungarra.
Sword (wooden)
coobooroo.
Sleepy-
oumbargo.
Snake (brown)
cooleeree,
Slow -
muudooru.
talmoona.
Side (this) -
eninburroo.
Sandalwood
- wungera.
,, ■ (the other) -
quaimlarro.
Sneeze
duree.
Stamp
oringo.
Smoke
- tookar.
Stop •
coonjung.
Stump
- tunga.
Ship, boat -
buUera.
Sore -
- woodee, neemo.
Straight
turjerra.
Sheep ■
- wonga.
Shoulder
carbilla-billa.
Shade
- cudarree.
• Stokes Eange
- coolumbria.
Sunset
- boodeera.
Strathalbyn Sta
beeandee.
Sunrise
- burrumbury.
tion
Stand-
- dundeinga,
Strathbogie Sta
tool-kenunga.
dunderee.
tion
Sharpen
■ euroringa.
Salisbury Plains
worrul-burral.
String
- oooburra.
Station
Sit(cros3-legged)
- coombirra.
Scratch
ekeemballinger.
Slip rails -
- merriloo.
Shrimp
battee-battee.
Sulky -
- dooney.
Skin -
cooraroo.
Shut -
- oumbunga,
Sister
coothanna.
Sand -
- eulburra.
Steep bank -
wandineia.
Stone
- wargia.
Son-in-law -
towunguUy.
Sharpening -
- eginder.
Soft -
boonarunga.
Spill ■
- oulgurrunda.
Snake trail -
booroona.
Scrub (river)
- monta.
Sunshine -
burgarry.
Snake (water)
- cooraoomaller-
Short
coulcooroo.
cawbella.
Spider's web
currer.
Smile -
- nootoonga.
Stars (large)
curarra.
Sweat
- wunyerrer.
Spotted (cattle) -
oumoonamoonoo
Snake (tree)
- coombella.
Son -
woolboora.
Scorpion ■
- cooligee-cooligee.
■ Stop or sit down yulia.
Sick -
- bunjeira trin-
here
gindoo.
Sitting down or yularry.
Sea
- abin-abin.
camping ovei
See -
- dimmi, nayulla.
there
Shoot -
- muka, •
Squirrel (flying)
cundebool.-
500
THE AUSTRALIAN RACE:
T.
Take -
- munna,
Three -
- koorburra.
wanjumber.
Turtle
- dewyer.
Thirsty
- warrabinia.
Tortoise
- bungoora.
Turkey (scrub)
- wundoora.
Teeth -
- era.
Tattoo (or scar)
Two -
Talk, tell -
- mumboona.
- boolarroo,
boolarry.
- wadger,
kutchell.
Thigh joint
Take oflf -
Turn over -
• ,, round
- weelera.
- orunga, inta.
- wyelimbunger.
yemmuUy.
Take away
- cundinga.
Tomahawk -
- balgon, oulan.
Tear -
- battee.
Thigh
- turra.
Tongue
- tunbelainea.
Tail (horse)
- werkie.
To-morrow -
- delioona.
Turkey (plain)
worka.
Top - ' -
- warna.
Tea-tree
- konkar.
Tail -
- toonguljbounger
Throw
- yabbunga.
Thick (applied
to mubbabilla.
„ away
- yabbunga.
milk, blood.
Tickle
- meebunbunga.
water, &g.)
Tree -
- toola.
Tomahawk
(to balgoungoo
Tired
- oumbargo.
cut or chop w
ith) oulunna. •
Tie -
- moolbinga.
Two together
- alluna.
Thunder -
- bulbunna.
This one
- youlounnoo.
Think
- pitohere.
The other one
- wadgeraboudoo.
Understand
- imber.
r. ■
Under
- bnrrunnia.
Unticj undo
Up - -
- oarer or ourunga.
- pindee.
Uncle
- culna,
Wax of wild bees coomurra.
Whip -
- meyouroo.
Wind
- gwarrie.
Wake up -
- oundarinnea.
Where-
- wanda.
White
- karkarigie.
omidee,
Whirlwind -
- boolboorooroo.
winyar.
WaUaby -
- tookabella.
Wood
- toola.
,, (rook) '- cungouloti.
Wife -
- tekoonee.
Whistle -
- corbeela.
White man -
- miocolo.
White cedar-tree mirkambilla.
buUimuna.
Where are
you cundaroegb?
Whiskers -
- nareena.
going?
Walk -
- tonar.
Where is it ?
- outage?
BURDEKIN RIVER.
501
W.
Wann
Window
Woodstock Sta-
tion
tamboora.
dilli.
youngoomurra.
Wet
Water
- ginger.
cummo,narburra
cawtora.
Woodhouse- Sta-
tion
coolnungda.
'We -
Waddy
alleena.
meroo.
Y.
Yard (for cattle) miloola, warra.
You - - - indoo, indoor.
Yesterday -
Yam (mountain)
- muloungee.
- malboon.
Yes - - - yar. .
Yam (yellow flower) moonilla
Young bird
(chicken)
nongoora.
,, (convolvulus
) bungulti.
Yam
- dnidurra.
,, (all kinds)
munda.
mannoona,
You and me
allee.
SUNI
BIES.
coonooma.
Don't go
yuUa.
Here it is -
- yoularey.
Son-in-law
torooungully-
Pour out -
■ culgurunbuyer.
Both together
eveller.
Here -
millalla.
Over there -
onee.
No good
- muggera.
To point a piece
bunbanya.
Small
- mubbooroo.
of wood
Lazy -
- kyalingga.
END OF VOLUME 11.
Melbourne: John Ferres, Grovernment Printer.
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